i lost one of my guppies today and the other seems sad and lonely. am i just imagining this? is he going to die too?
2007-03-15 08:21:01 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Fish
Guppies and goldfish are social animals. They do better in schools. I'd say that while he's probably not "missing" the other fish, he does know that he's been separated from the rest of the school, which makes him vulnerable. You might want to get him some companionship.
2007-03-15 08:24:59 · answer #1 · answered by mikah_smiles 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have had a lot of fish, and I have seen this same thing happen! At one time, I had only two fish, and then one of them died. The remaing fish was obviously freaked out, he was darting back and forth really fast and crashing into the walls of the tank. He was definitely stressed! As soon as I removed the dead fish, he relaxed and was calm again. But for the next couple of days, he was very still, mostly hanging out at the bottom of the tank, not moving much, whereas before, the two fish would constantly swim together. So I bought a new fish when I noticed this and they became fast friends and they began swimming together, inseparable as always! So yes, I think they do become friends and miss each other if one dies. I don't believe what they say about fish having on 2-second memories.
2007-03-15 08:38:12 · answer #2 · answered by elliotthawaiipurple 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People underestimate fish. Regardless of what the tests say, I do believe fish have feelings and can love. Every living thing is build with emotions. For instance, my cousin had two female betta's together. She seperated them for a couple of days and they each laid on the bottom of their bowls and wouldn't eat. She put them together and they were fine again. You might want to figure out why your guppie died. They might have a disease. Treat your tank if they do. When you're done, get a new guppie buddy.
2007-03-15 08:38:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
No I don't believe that they do. I think you are placing human emotions on an animal, something we all do especially where pets are concerned. Rather than sad and lonely I would suggest that your remaining guppy is for lack of a better word "nervous" about not having an other fish around. They do prefer groups after all.
MM
2007-03-15 09:11:24 · answer #4 · answered by magicman116 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Yea it could be true.
Species such as zebra danios, tiger barbs like to be in schools of 5 or more. If separated, they can get depressed and die.
And it is not like fish have a 5second memory, thats a myth.
My fish gets excited everytime I show him his food box. He obviously does not forget where his food comes from and he obviously can't read, so I guess he relates the shape and colour of the box to food.So they do have a memory, and some of them are quite smart. They do have feelings and must be treated with utmost respect.
2007-03-15 08:49:14 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
One of my cats has a very strange relationship with one of our fish.The cat will lie for hours by the tank and the fish lay on the bottom of the tank next to her.She will run on the glass next to him as if she is giving him love.He will wait for her by the glass when shes not in the room.I do belive fish have feelings and are alot smarter than we give them credit for.I can imagine your fish IS sad in some way.I would wait a few days and get another fish to put in with him.Good Luck!
2007-03-15 08:32:28 · answer #6 · answered by jill@doodle 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
fish are in away inferior if they felt emotions and thought then they wouldnt jump out of the tank .but maybe they played together and now it has nothing to do. had a couple fish now 2 they kill eachother but hey do seem lonely when the fish die sometimes
2007-03-15 08:30:06 · answer #7 · answered by devin s 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think they miss that particular fish the way you or I would miss a person, but he probably misses the companionship of having another fish like him. I think if you got another guppy he'd be just fine.
2007-03-15 08:40:49 · answer #8 · answered by Amy 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Fish become friends in a way that we cant understand. you cant really even call it friends more like tolerant of eachother (unless there certain cichlids that are mates they mate for life with the same mate). As far as being sad no its more like shock hes used to having his companion now its gone in a few days it will be fine.
2007-03-15 08:35:50 · answer #9 · answered by Christopher L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably not. Fish have a memory of only 5 seconds so I don't think they will remember your other fish. I am sorry about your loss. Just remember fish are not likes dogs or humans and can sense when something bad happens! Good luck with your fish though!
2007-03-15 08:33:40 · answer #10 · answered by singingcutie369 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋