Do fish get...depressed?

Question

By depressed, I mean sad, because I had 2 fish and one of them died. Ever since, the other fish barely eats compared to how he used to eat before.

Answer 1

I doubt it with normal tropicals, but with cichlids, I believe there is some sadness or something going on when one of their schooling members dies..just a thought :p. Your other fish is probably not eating as much as it did before because it doesn't have to compete for the food now, he can get as much as he wants without anyone scrapping with him for it.

Answer 2

Fish are social and curious little creatures and they do get sad/depressed when they've been removed from a community tank or one of their mates have died.

Best example is even a Betta, the siameese fighting fish, gets lonely and needs attention and stimulation.

To help your fish, you might want to put a mirror next to the tank, or put it where it can see the t.v., something to get its attention.

However, if one of your fish has already passed, it might be because it was sick and now your other fish is sick too. You might want to invest in a broad-spectrum antibiotic.

Also, and lastly...fish do have personalities and actually get used to you if you're their main caretaker. My betta jumps at me whenever I enter the room...but just float around for anyone else. You might want to talk to your fish and kinda trail your finger along the tank to "play" with it. You'll be surprised at the cute things these guys can do.

Answer 3

My answer is strictly personal opion, no studies or anything to back me up. But I honestly believe, fish have personalites just like any other pet. And, like most birds, fish often become close friends, and when one passes, it is hard on the other. Try introducing a new friend, however I have seen fish that after losing a friend, become agressive and don't get along with other fish, so be careful. But deffiantly pay more attention to him, I have seen fish bond so closely with people it is unbelieveable. Please, just keep it all in mind.

Answer 4

Actually yes and try buying another fish for it to get used to and it will eventually get out of that state and start eating again

Answer 5

Yes, the do get depressed and they also get stressed out. You will usually know if the fish is depressed by looking at its eye, if it's red then, its's stressed. So put "STRESS COAT" to get rid its depression.

I hope this helped you a lot. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 6

Yes! Especially goldfish. They are very social critters and they can get seriously sad when they lose a "friend." That's why you shouldn't keep just one goldfish, even if the tank is in perfect condition. Of course, as soon as you get a new friend, after a day or so, they will be best friends.

Answer 7

yes, they do get depressed. you should get another fish to help it cope. the same thing happened with my water frogs. One died, and the other one wouldn't eat, and it died 2 days later.

Answer 8

No, fishes doesnt have feelings lol They only have a span of 5second memory. He must have forget his friend by now. Its sick i thinkk. maybe thats y ur other one died. Check if the water is clean or if he's getting enough oxygen.
Oh yeah... maybe u over fed the other one and died.

Answer 9

fish are social and most of them like having fish friends. many fish do better in groups -- its a herd mentality of safety in numbers.

fish provide each other with exercise as they chase each other around and stuff like that. now he has nothing to do so it looks like he is sulking maybe?

male bettas often get depressed when you remove tthem from their fry. they don't eat and stuff like that.

its hard to prove a fish has emotions like being depressed. i have bettas and i think they get bored.

Answer 10

Depressed? I know they can experience shock and stress which could lead to death. Interesting personification, a depressed fish....