Do fish get lonely?

Question

I had two fish (one died yesterday) and the one that's left looks lonely all by itself. I know normally fish live in shoals so should I buy another one to keep it company or might it attack other fish? (it used to be small but has grown to about 3-4 inches long over the years so he's quite a big fry). Sensible answers please - no suggestions for fish dating agencies or sending him to the local fish and chip shop!

P.S. It's a goldfish but because he's grown so big it's more silvery with tints of gold.

Answer 1

Lonely wouldn't be the most precise term. Some fish live in schools or shoals and will become stressed if kept alone. Stress can lead to things that will likely kill it. Other fish are strictly solitary critters or can live together, but don't require it.

Whether your fish requires others of its kind depends on what type of fish it is. I would suggest determining this if you haven't already and then visiting some aquarium sites with profiles on that particular fish. You should be able to find out relatively quickly whether it needs company or not.

Answer 2

I have a 90 gallon saltwater tank. I dont know if this part is true with many freshwater species, but you can't put two of the same kind of fish, or even two fish that are the same shape and color together (with few exceptions) unless you put them in at the same time. If you do the first fish will attack the other. You can introduce them into a new tank at the same time though. So, if you do make sure the new one is bigger than the one that is in there right now. But I have a Clownfish who used to play and swim around all day. My Powder Blue Tang and Koran Angelfish died, and the clownfish just sat at the bottom of the tank all the time unless he was eating. The Lionfish and Moray Eel aren't very active and he didn't play with them. I got a Yellow Tang in there with him now and he swims all around with him. He seems much happier.

Answer 3

I think fish only have a memory of, say 3-4 seconds.. maybe it looks lonely because you're reading that into him/her.. but do get another fish.. then you're on the safe side

Answer 4

In the common sense, fish do not get lonely. They do, however, tend to get bored. If you have concerns about other fish, you could add further decorations to the tank.

There is a catch. Some fish tend to be schooling fish. If your fish is one of those, then it would be worth it to get a new fish or 3.

Answer 5

Hmmm. My brother used to have a lot of fish and when one would die then he would just get another one. To be on the safe side though, get a fish that's about the same size.

Answer 6

Really depedns on which fish. Many fish do school, and need to be kept in groups of 6+. However other fish like the betta kill any other fish of the same kind See what fish it is and use this forum http://www.fishforums.net/

Answer 7

Dont get another one !!! - I had a similar situation and introduced another one in an effort to keep it company. The big one attacked the little one and I ended up with two bowls.

Answer 8

I heard that fish have a memory span of 2 seconds. He will probably remember that he is lonely and then forget about it just as quick...
Don't worry about it....I am sure he is happy.

Answer 9

I don't know if they really get lonely, but err on the side of caution and get a fish as close to the one you had that died.

Answer 10

fish do get lonely
my advice is to get another one but when i used to own fish and i got a new one, at night my goldfish had fights so you've got to see if they make a good match togther.