Emotional Subject

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
I've always wondered if fish have feelings, well do they?

ANSWER: Hello Manahil,

I truly do believe they do.

I have been told that they only like their owners, because they associate them with food.

I don't agree and here is why.

When I was a little girl, I bought a 100 gallon aquarium on the side of the road with my babysitting money, $40 and I took it home and set it up, but all I had in my other tanks were little fishes, so I went to the local pond and went fishing.  I caught a beautiful Bluegill fish and put him in my tank.  He was about 2" when I got him, and he grew to a beautiful fish about 8" long.  I fed him worms, other fish and we would sit and stare at each other through the tank for hours, each day.  

Well, when I was about 14, my parents decided we had to move, so I was to let him go.  I found an opportune spot (not like the place he had lived as a fry, but nicer, without lots of predators, and it had a small creek flowing into it.  The water was really nice and I felt secure letting him go, so I slid his bucket in and let him swim out.  I watched him for about ten minutes and he didn't leave.  

My mom honked the horn, so I went up the creekside path to head home and I thought I'd turn around and say goodbye one more time, but he had followed me up the creek!  He followed me as I left and I cried all the way home.

The second reason is my friend, Brad, came to sit and see our reef tanks at night on his way home from work.  We'd talk to him like normal guests, but every night he came by and sat in his chair we gave him to watch the fish and then he'd have some milk and cookies, and he'd go home.

Well, ever now and then, he'd turn the chair around to visit us and the fish would all go behind his head through the glass to try to get to him.  He looked like he had a multi-colored fish halo.

They were fond of seeing him.

I do indeed believe that fish have feelings.  Science proved they have feelings, but emotions are another story.  There is no way to tell that, except by their behaviors and sometimes it seems like they feel sad when mates die and when they lose their people.

So, my answer is yes.

Renee

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi,
That is the cutest thing I've ever heard! Now I believe fish have feelings. But mine never get to know me. All I know about their behavior is that when I open the tank lid they all come up, like they want food. So far most of the fish that died spent their last few days near the filter and unfortunately now I find that behavior in the last Molly that I've managed to keep. I guess I will wait till all the fish pass then I might have the strength to start fresh. New fish and a better try. Now I'll study and try to learn more about the fish before the purchase. I'm interested in the Platies now and I hope I can provide the right habitat for them. Do you have Platies? From a beginners point of view are they good starter fish or are they like the guppies?

ANSWER: In species, platys are closer to swordtails, but for behavior, they are closer to mollies.  :)\

I don't have platies, but I have had many throughout the years.

Renee

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hey,
Egg-layers?
OR
Live born?
AND
I've heard egg layers are easier. Is that true?
AND
Is a 8 gallon tank a long life tank or not?
BTW
I think it is really lucky to get a 100 gallon tank for such a low price. I wish I could get a bigger tank for a lower price. I've seen sales of 10 gallon tanks for $80. I don't think I'm gonna get lucky with the fish.

Answer
Holy moly, Manahil,

A 10 gallon for $80?????????  My goodness that's an awful deal.  Brand new, in our stores they are only $20.

An 8 gallon tank is awful small to consider a permanent-sized tank.

As for long-lived, that depends on the person keeping the fish and their feeding, water changing and filter changing habits.

Live bearers are difficult to keep compared to egglayers.  It is very true.

I suggest Zebra Danios.  They are very hardy fish.

Renee