why do my fish hit the heater in their tank?

Question

we have about 13 goldfish. and about 3 of them like to swim around the heater and whip it with their tail. can anyone tell me what is causing this?

Answer 1

I have kept goldfish for years and they can be very silly.
They may enjoy the feeling of the heat. They may also be bored- believe it or not, goldfish are pretty smart creatures.

I keep them in my backyard pond these days. Several years ago I had some that would swim as fast as they could to a small bubble fountain and flip themselves over it. They would do this over and over. Others would try to climb the waterfall.

My indoor goldfish were trained to come when I touched the water, but you can train goldfish to do a lot more than that. Check this out! http://www.fish-school.com/

Answer 2

The person who said goldfish are smart is right. They can be taught to perform tricks, and will get bored if not stimulated in some way, either with you or with interesting decor! They probably like the sensation of the heat coming off the heater; in addition to this, fish are very sensitive to minute electrical currents, and can definitely feel the current running through the heater.

Answer 3

Electrical current can make fish do wierd things. That might be a sign the heater is gopin to quit soon. Since the goldfish will do fine without it, I would say just take it out and don't worry about it anymore.

Answer 4

Hmm...i really dont no.......i no that fish dont have very good eyesight.....but if its the same fish maybe they jus like the warm felling....by the way....y do u have a heater w/ goldfish...they like it cold.....

Answer 5

they really don't need a heater and would probably be better off with out it, just your normal room temp will be perfect

Answer 6

fish are dumb, but maybe they like the heat