My daughter absolutely loves to put her hands in the fish tank and touch the fish and try and "tickle" them. I am worried that it will stress the fish out. Is this ok, or should I try and discourage her from doing it?
2007-12-03 07:42:49 · 12 answers · asked by christy s 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
Not only is it unsafe for the fish, it is not terribly sanitary for your daughter either... As others have said, there is a LOT of bacteria in fish tanks (of which, very little is harmful, but you don't want to run that risk). The slightest pressure and sliding against a fish's body can easily remove their mucus membrane that protects them from infections. Also, the stress of the "chase" weakens their immune systems. These two factors can lead to fish that are constantly sick, stressed, and skittish. Try to discourage your daughter from doing this as much as possible, but measure out fish food for her and let her physically feed the fish (but you know she isn't over or under feeding). Contact me if you have any questions.
Soop Nazi
2007-12-03 07:55:09 · answer #1 · answered by nosoop4u246 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
You definately shouldn't encourage this behavior. Fish can not only become stressed but if your fish happen to be breeding, putting your hand in the tank will prevent the females from giving birth and if the stress continues through the pregnancy, the female could die. Also touching the fish can prove to be harmful because small aquarium fish are very sensitive to harmful chemicals and things that you have on your hands such as scented lotions or cleaning materials. I would just simply tell your daughter that it is not good for the fish and that you want to keep those little fishies happy. :) Good luck!
2007-12-03 08:04:16 · answer #2 · answered by mnash1289 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Definitely discourage this. Your fish will be stressed and your tank could be contaminated by any residue or oil found on your child's skin.
Let her know that it's okay to want to interact with her pet fish, but that it's very easy for them to become scared or sick when their home is disturbed. If this is a younger child, you might let her draw pictures for the fish and show off her masterpieces by holding them up to the tank for her fish friends to see. It may sound silly, but it's an alternative to "fish petting".
2007-12-03 08:59:27 · answer #3 · answered by Quiet Tempest 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
discourage her from doing that. fish aren't meant to be played with. she will stress the fish out, and the water in tanks aren't so clean. touching the fish with her hands could make the fish sick.
2007-12-03 09:01:21 · answer #4 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
she should not do that. that will definitly stress the fish out and she could put germs from her hand in the tank. shell also scare the fish too. Take control and tell her NO!!!
2007-12-03 08:58:17 · answer #5 · answered by stephen G 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will stress the fish out and make them sick. There are also some fish illnesses that can be transmitted to humans through cuts on your hand coming into contact with the water, such as piscene TB (not related to human TB)
2007-12-03 07:51:23 · answer #6 · answered by PlazaF203 2 · 5⤊ 0⤋
hmhmm.... i see your plight. btw, your never supposed to just take an animal from outside and keep it as a pet. it could have disease, poison, bacteria, etc. i agree with your mother on the fish thing... if you're not going to put enough time on the water quality in the fish's tank, youre screwed with fishes... lizards are definitely cool. you can play with them and such. just make sure you don't get ones like iguanas that can grow to 3 ft. in length. bearded lizards are popular and friendly. they dont grow as large as the iguana and will do fine indoors. however, never keep lizards outdoors (in case they grow too big and you have to build them an enclosure). enclosures will only work for tortoises and such. lizards can climb out through chicken wire and even stone blocks.
2016-05-28 00:41:35 · answer #7 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it will stress the fish. do your best to discourage her
2007-12-03 07:46:57 · answer #8 · answered by FishRfine 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
yeah it will stress the fish
2007-12-03 07:52:18 · answer #9 · answered by § Elijah § 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Not only will it harm the fish, but tanks are disgusting. i'm sure you make her wash her hands but it is just gross. they are full of bacteria and fish poo, and all sorts of things you dont want her playing with!
2007-12-03 07:51:22 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋