Tropical Fish - Tips/Tutorials

DO FISH SLEEP?
When an aquarium is abruptly switched on in the morning, it is
noticeable that its occupants do not immediately resume their
normal activity. Some of them are on the bottom of the tank,
some in the plants, and others remain almost immobile in the
water. It is difficult to speak of sleep in the generally accepted
sense of the word, but it is certain that fish have periods of restfulness,
of varying degrees. This can be verified at night, with the
aid of a small flashlight: the fish are practically stationary (apart
from nocturnal species), but their eyes are not closed as they
have no eyelids.

DO THEY FEEL PHYSICAL PAIN?
The sensation of pain is sent to the brain via the sensory nerves.
As fish are endowed with the latter, it can be assumed that they
feel pain when they are hit or wounded, and perhaps even when
they are sick.

HOW TO REDUCE ACTS OF AGGRESSION
IN AN AQUARIUM
Only put together those fish which are known to be compatible,
particularly in the case of marine fish, and give them as
much space as possible. Be sure to provide a number of nooks
and crannies, appropriate for the dimensions of the residents.
Another solution is to mix species with different lifestyles - for
example, free swimmers (like Barbs and Danios) and bottomdwellers
(like loaches) - that will not compete with each other.

Tips and Tutorials