I have a beta fish on my desk at work & one of the ladies here always taps on his tank. Is that ok?

Question

I have always heard it bothers fish when you tap on their tanks. Is this true?

Answer 1

It adds unnecessary stress to the fish when people tap on the glass. If anything, it could contribute to early death.

I'd ask her politely to stop. If she refuses, consider moving him onto a shelf or some other area that isn't in the path of daily traffic.

Answer 2

Betta's are wonderful and can be very interactive with humans. I don't know if tapping on the glass of his tank bothers him but the generally accepted thought is not to do it. I like the answer someone gave about asking her not to tap the tank and if she doesn't stop, move it out of her path, but you might also show her how you get your Betta's attention, because it sounds like that's what your co-worker wants. My Betta is in a 10 gallon tank and if I want his attention and he is kinda hidden or doesn't see my big face close up to the glass looking at him, I will (gently) put my finger on the glass outside of where he is, without tapping, and slowly move it back around to where my face is. Usually, I get his attention. Just tell the lady the next time she starts to move toward his tank that you just found out tapping the tank is BAD for the Betta and show her other ways of enjoying his attention.

Answer 3

Well, it depends on your definition of Cruelty To Animals. If you think only killing or physically harming is cruelty, then yes, I guess tapping the tank is alright.

However, I consider tank tapping cruelty to animals, because you are causing that fish discomfort. It senses the vibration (similar to a fog horn) and is startled.

By the way, if you have the fish in a round tank I would consider changing it to a square one. I read on CNN.com a while back that round tanks cause the fish to go blind eventually and that they are even banned in some countrys! The all-american style round goldfish bowl is harmful.

Answer 4

i recognize, how about a delightful 3 gallon tank with a filter out and some gravel, with some flora and a pair of ghost shrimp to bypass with the Betta. Seeing fish in an surroundings that mimics their organic one is as thrilling because it receives with fish. For leisure value you're more effective acceptable off getting honestly a approach of little pens that you tip over and the ladies folk blouse comes down, or per chance a mini pool table or something.

Answer 5

No, it's not okay. It's true that tapping stresses out fish. If he starts darting around when she taps, that's a sure sign that he's frightened.

Either move the tank somewhere where she can't tap, or simply ask her to stop.

Answer 6

No it's not okay. Think of it this way, your in your apartment or home and all of a sudden King Kong decides to tap on your window. All of your walls shake, your furniture moves 3" and now the cable is out. Now that's good for the ole heart huh?

Answer 7

i used to have a betta, and when you tap on the glass he got very mad so i think that when you tap on the glass in the fish tank it is very loud fo rhte fish, i not possitive, you can tell the ladie to respect your fish and please not to tap on the glass anymore and maybe explain why not. if she still doesnt understand try having her imagine being in a closed tank with little air holes and little kids tapping on the glass nonstop...good luck.

Answer 8

It all depends on the fish and what they are going through if they are new then they probably under alot of stress but like my fish loves it when I tap on the tank they actually come to the top to greet me. so like I said it all depends

Answer 9

It is NOT o.k. Consistent tapping will cause mental stress. Then, it leads to physical problems like not eating right, or biting the tail, and stress can weaken the immune system:(

Answer 10

It bothers the fish. Tell her to keep her hands to herself.