Do you have a fish tank at home? Have you noticed they often chase each other? Many theories try to explain why fish chase each other. Watching them is a lot of fun, but it’s even better to understand the reason why they do that!
Tank fish tend to chase each other for 4 main reasons:
1) COUPLING. It’s the first thing that comes to mind when we see a pair of fish swimming fast, one after the other. When there are males and females together in the tank, this behaviour is likely to be a simple coupling ritual. No reason to panic!
2) INCOMPATIBLE PERSONALITIES. Not all fish get along! Like all living beings, fish also have their friends and frenemies, and there are species that tend to be dominant, even to the point of behaving violently towards shy, vulnerable species. For instance, a fighting fish can never be left in the same tank with bright-coloured fish with conspicuous tales, as they might be taken for rival males.
3) COMPETITION FOR FOOD. Food and hunger always play dirty tricks! Different species obviously have different energy needs, and if food is insufficient, there is a risk of leaving some fish without it, which may make them turn against each other. To ensure daily food supply, try Ferplast’s Chef Pro automatic food dispenser. Chef Pro ensures constant food dispensing and comes with four different dosing devices for all types of food, be it in granules or flakes, to fulfil the needs of the different species of fish that live in the same tank.
4) TERRITORIALITY. If the tank is too small or if there are obstacles inside (such as decorations, branches, leaves, plants and various objects), fish have little room to swim, and will try to create their own sheltered area the best way they can – by chasing away their own peers. This is surely a source of stress for all the inhabitants of the tank.
FAQs
Fish chase each other for a variety of reasons, such as to defend their territory, establish dominance, and compete for food and mates. Even fish that are typically docile fish may chase others because of constant stress. This could be due to incompatible tank mates, poor water conditions, or an overcrowded tank.
Why are my fish chasing one fish? ›
Territorial behavior: Goldfish, like many other fish, can get a little territorial at times. They might chase other fish around to establish dominance and claim their space. But don't worry, this behavior is generally harmless.
How to know if fish are mating? ›
Signs The Fish Are Spawning:
- The fish seem like they are fighting (but they're not really!). The male bumps the female with his head urging her to spawn. They might seem to be chasing each other.
- Some fish are jumping clear out of the water.
Aggression is a complicated phenomenon made up of many different behaviors, expressed for many different reasons. Territory, food, social status, sex, temperature, disease, time, and rearing environment all have an effect on aggression in fish.
Are fish happy when they chase each other? ›
Fish chase each other for a variety of reasons, such as to defend their territory, establish dominance, and compete for food and mates. Even fish that are typically docile fish may chase others because of constant stress. This could be due to incompatible tank mates, poor water conditions, or an overcrowded tank.
Should I remove an aggressive fish? ›
Remove the Aggressive Fish
Usually, one fish in particular is the source of the problem. If you added new animals that caused an established member to react aggressively, or he has randomly decided to become aggressive towards your other established fish, you may have no choice but to remove him from the situation.
What should I do if my fish are fighting? ›
An aggressive fish will fight off other fish that are perceived to be a threat during feeding sessions. To minimize fighting over food, make sure you spread food evenly throughout the aquarium. Also, try to offer different varieties of food to your fish. This action will reduce fish fighting over one type of food.
Do fish get attached to each other? ›
1: Do fish love their mates and families? Hurd and his colleagues have studied species of cichlid fish that breed in monogamous pairs. “And I'm convinced these fish love their mates and love their kids,” he says. “They look after each other for months on end, better than dogs look after their pups.”
Are my fish fighting or mating? ›
Energetic Mating Behavior
If the female Oscar plays hard to get, the suitor will become more physical with rubbing behavior that may look like fighting when it isn't. Oscar couples always get along even when they're not mating, so if you spot aggressive behavior and chasing, you'll know they're actually mating.
How can you tell if a fish is a boy or a girl? ›
You will likely be able to get a general idea of the length and width. Another good indicator for determining the sex of a fish is the dorsal and anal fins—on male fish, they'll have more of a point on the end and will often be a bit longer.
As examples, the female swordtail and guppy will both give birth to anywhere from 20 to 100 live young after a gestation period of four to six weeks, and mollies will produce a brood of 20 to 60 live young after a gestation of six to 10 weeks.
Why is my fish chasing the other fish? ›
They might chase other fish around to establish dominance and claim their space. But don't worry, this behavior is generally harmless. One of my large goldfish is chasing another larger one around my pond persistently.
Why are my pond fish chasing each other? ›
Have your pond fish being chasing each other and splashing around lately? They're probably spawning. Most of the fish species available to pond owners in the UK can be bred, and most breed in the same way. Goldfish (including shubunkins and Sarasa comets,) Koi, Tench, Orfe and Rudd are all egg scatterers.
Why is one of my fish alone? ›
Loneliness – Fish that naturally gather in larger communities may start to hide if they feel isolated or alone in the tank because they no longer have the protection of a larger school. Adding more compatible species to the tank and increasing the number of fish can help these species feel safer swimming into the open.
Why is my fish trying to eat my other fish? ›
Why Do Fish Eat Other Fish? Fish are opportunistic, just like other living creatures. If food presents itself in any form, they will eat it. Sure, that food may have been their best swimming buddy the day before, but today he's lunch.
Why is one of my fish biting the other? ›
Many fish species are inherently territorial and may nip at the fins of other fish as a way of defending what they perceive as their space. Ensuring your tank is appropriately sized and structured with hiding spots can alleviate this stress-induced behavior.
3) COMPETITION FOR FOOD. Food and hunger always play dirty tricks! Different species obviously have different energy needs, and if food is insufficient, there is a risk of leaving some fish without it, which may make them turn against each other. To ensure daily food supply, try Ferplast’s Chef Pro automatic food dispenser. Chef Pro ensures constant food dispensing and comes with four different dosing devices for all types of food, be it in granules or flakes, to fulfil the needs of the different species of fish that live in the same tank.
4) TERRITORIALITY. If the tank is too small or if there are obstacles inside (such as decorations, branches, leaves, plants and various objects), fish have little room to swim, and will try to create their own sheltered area the best way they can – by chasing away their own peers. This is surely a source of stress for all the inhabitants of the tank.