FAQs
Happy fish are healthy fish that actively explore their surroundings, enjoy mealtime, have plenty of space for swimming, don't have any obvious signs of illness, and get along with their tank buddies.
How to know if molly fish is happy? ›
Your fish are happy and healthy when they:
- Swim actively throughout the entire tank, not just hanging out or laying at the bottom, floating near the top or hiding behind plants and ornaments.
- Eat regularly and swim to the surface quickly at feeding time.
keep the water clean and in good condition…. Keep the temperature appropriate…. Keep the proper tank mates together and keep it healthy and check it out regularly for signs of illness…. Then your fish will be happy!
Can fish feel happiness? ›
This review showed that fishes feel a range of emotions and feelings, including fear and distress. What's maybe more important than accepting fishes can feel negative emotions like pain, is recognizing the fact that they can also experience positive states like joy and pleasure.
How do you know your fish is stressed? ›
Strange Swimming: When fish are stressed, they often develop odd swimming patterns. If your fish is swimming frantically without going anywhere, crashing at the bottom of his tank, rubbing himself on gravel or rocks, or locking his fins at his side, he may be experiencing significant stress.
How to tell if a fish is unhealthy? ›
Got a sick fish?
- Appearing disoriented, such as swimming upside down.
- Leaving food uneaten.
- White spots on fins or body.
- Discolored gills.
- Trouble breathing such as gasping at surface of water.
- Bulging eyes (one or both)
- Mucus accumulation on the body.
- Rubbing on hard surfaces.
Change water frequently to keep nitrate and ammonia levels low. Try adding water conditioners like API Stress Coat Aquarium Water Conditioner, which is formulated to reduce fish stress by 40% by removing dangerous toxins.
What do fish like the most? ›
Natural baits — such as earthworms and mealworms — are effective because their texture, odor and color are appealing to many kinds of fish. If natural baits are allowed where you are fishing, they are relatively easy to fish with, often just needing a basic hook setup.
What is normal fish behavior? ›
The most obvious behaviors to observe are the movements of a fish. Some types of movements include swimming, hovering, perching, and lying on the bottom. Some fishes swim all the time—either moving around from place to place or hovering in a single area for long periods.
Why are my mollies dying? ›
A: There's something wrong with the conditions they're in. It could be water chemistry, disease, temperature, over feeding, under feeding, too much vibration, poor or no filtration and no water circulation, leading to low oxygen levels in the water.
While fish do not sleep in the same way that land mammals sleep, most fish do rest. Research shows that fish may reduce their activity and metabolism while remaining alert to danger. Some fish float in place, some wedge themselves into a secure spot in the mud or coral, and some even locate a suitable nest.
What are the signs of an unhealthy fish? ›
Got a sick fish?
- Appearing disoriented, such as swimming upside down.
- Leaving food uneaten.
- White spots on fins or body.
- Discolored gills.
- Trouble breathing such as gasping at surface of water.
- Bulging eyes (one or both)
- Mucus accumulation on the body.
- Rubbing on hard surfaces.
The best way to tell if fish is bad is to use your senses. If fish has gone bad, it'll likely have an off smell and feel slimy. Both raw and cooked fish usually keep for up to two days in the refrigerator. You can freeze raw fish for six months to a year, but cooked fish shouldn't be frozen for more than three months.
