Surprisingly, science has found that fish are capable of recognizing their owner's face, even if the owner is standing by the tank with other people. Fish can develop an association between something they like, being fed, with the person who feeds them.
Researchers have found that fish recognize each other and gather information by eavesdropping. They're capable of remembering past social interactions that they've had with other fish, and they show affection by rubbing against each other.
The fact that our pet fish have a conscious understanding of their surroundings and may even be able to recognize their owners may inspire us to take more pride in arranging the aquarium and choosing tank mates.
Angelfish are a particularly bright species of fish that will learn to recognize their owner and will readily eat out of a person's hand. Angelfish will often form lifelong connections with another angelfish and the two will stay with each other every second of every day.
Fish don't only have feelings - they can also be faithful. While exploring the waters of Thailand's Chaloklum Bay, a snorkeler happened upon a bittersweet scene of friendship between two little pufferfish.
Surprisingly, science has found that fish are capable of recognizing their owner's face, even if the owner is standing by the tank with other people. Fish can develop an association between something they like, being fed, with the person who feeds them.
Groupers are not the only fish that enjoy being petted, it seems. According to videos on YouTube, other species of fish that appear to like the interaction include koi, cichlid and discus fish.
For fish, that title goes to manta rays. They're giant, charismatic and basically geniuses. Mantas have huge brains — the biggest of any fish — with especially developed areas for learning, problem solving and communicating.
Fish-keepers sometimes see their pets 'glass surfing' – swimming repeatedly up and down the glass of the tank. This could be the aquatic equivalent of the pacing of a captive tiger that's bored from a lack of stimulation. But the fish could also be stressed from an overcrowded or unfamiliar tank.
Yes, fish can hear you talk!
Sounds that are created above water typically do not carry enough force to penetrate the surface tension of the water, so talking on the boat or loud noise may not affect fish as much as your fellow anglers may want you to think. Your voice is unlikely to spook or scare fish away.
Right? A recent study shows that fish are more emotionally complex than we give them credit for. Scientists at the University of Burgundy in France studied one called the convict cichlid, a monogamous fish species that forms long-lasting pairs.
To stimulate your fish's brain, give it toys like floating rocks and caves for it to hide in. You can even train your fish to do tricks like swim through a hoop or jump out of the water with a little practice. Keeping your fish healthy and active will help you enjoy your fish for longer.
What they found was that both the female and the male she had chosen were slower to spawn and became a little more glum. This shows us that fish do feel companionship and that it's not just humans or mammals, so love really is in the water!
The Batfish – Clowns of the Sea
Have you ever wondered to yourself “What is the friendliest fish in the ocean?” Well, wonder no more! The answer to this question is actually quite obvious, it's the ever so curious batfish.
Scientists have just observed a thought swimming through the brain of a live fish, and that thought concerned getting something good to eat. Fish and other wild animals appear to think a lot about food: how to obtain it and what to consume.
While fish may never understand what we are, they know we're not the otters they see who move with great speed and agility and should be feared. We're probably regarded more like the way they view snapping turtles.
While fish do not sleep in the same way that land mammals sleep, most fish do rest. Research shows that fish may reduce their activity and metabolism while remaining alert to danger. Some fish float in place, some wedge themselves into a secure spot in the mud or coral, and some even locate a suitable nest.
Fish have gills that allow them to “breathe” oxygen dissolved in the water. Water enters the mouth, passes over the gills, and exits the body through a special opening. This keeps an adequate amount of water in their bodies and they don't feel thirsty.
Fish Can Recognize Familiar Faces
Studies have found that fish see objects placed outside their tank. But can they recognize their owners? Anecdotal evidence, and one study done on archerfish, suggests they can, Balcombe notes.
Fish become frustrated and unhappy when kept in cramped bowls or tanks. House fish in a large filtered tank. All tanks should have a pump to keep water flowing continuously.