i have only one fish, Nix, and his tank is pretty empty until i can afford to buy him some gravel and stuff this weekend. i put a mirror next to his fish tank to see what he'd do, and he's been literally staring at it for HOURS. he's so excited, and i'm wondering if he thinks it's another fish, or is he just mesmorized by his reflection or what? also what do you think would happen if i took the mirror away from him.
2007-04-24 18:24:35 · 10 answers · asked by splatterpunk 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
also he's a puffer fish, not a dwarf one though
2007-04-24 18:27:27 · update #1
I used to raise fish. But sooner or later they will realize that it is not real. Usually takes a while
But sometimes they will forget and think it's another fish again.
2007-04-24 18:27:42 · answer #1 · answered by Thang Mit 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fish are made to think that there are more fish in the aquarium by putting a mirror on the side of the tank. Fish are generally part of a "school" that's why they like this. He will survive if you take it away but why spoil the fun?
2007-04-25 01:31:31 · answer #2 · answered by hawkeye1248 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the "fish world", their concept of living is with others of like kind. It is no different than a mouse, cat, sometimes dogs or birds. They tend to associate with their own kind but also are territorial, i.e. the animal jumping into the glass/mirror to "capture" the other animal or to even join with it. I do not think it is harmful to Nix in having him stare at himself for hours but getting him a "real" companion would be the best bet in having the start of his own "school of friends"!
2007-04-25 01:33:29 · answer #3 · answered by Serpico 13 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is an interesting way to tease a fish. He does not understand reflection. He sees it as another fish and tries to push him out of his territory. At the same time, he is being challenged by an intruder. It may tire him out and frustrate him when he bumps into the glass. Spend some time watching and make a note of the results over a period of time. It will make an interesting biology/psychology project
2007-04-25 01:54:21 · answer #4 · answered by DAGIM 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well, puffers are territorial, so he's probably having a stare-down with a rival from his point of view.
I wouldn't keep the mirror there permanently - if the "other fish" can't be chased away, he might get stressed.
2007-04-25 01:41:29 · answer #5 · answered by copperhead 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
We had two fighting fish (in two tanks) and everytime we put a mirror by the tank they would puff our their gills as if they were to fight. I think they really think that it is another fish. You should leave it there if he is happy. Go and get that stuff for his tank and maybe he will get even more excited!
2007-04-25 01:28:33 · answer #6 · answered by Cash--Rescue, Foster, Adopt! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He's probably just mezmerized by a blur. Something new to look at. I don't believe taking it away would affect him too much except for making him look for other blurry objects. Get him a little palm tree or a castle!
2007-04-25 01:31:34 · answer #7 · answered by spade_242 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my fish does that too. i think they only have a memory of 5 seconds or something. so pretty much they are like "OH WHATS THAT, HEY HEY WHO ARE YOU, OH WHATS THAT..." pretty much, they are stupid lol. he is fine though. he thinks its another fish, and is probally trying to talk to it lol.
2007-04-25 04:11:45 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think anything will happen if you take it away :-)
2007-04-25 01:28:05 · answer #9 · answered by TT143 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is just nothing else to look at... what would you do?
2007-04-25 01:30:15 · answer #10 · answered by jason k 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋