Will My Fish Get Bored in Its Aquarium?

It’s natural for new pet owners to worry about keeping their fish in a saltwater or freshwater aquarium, even though they clearly need to be kept somewhere. It’s common to wonder about the fish’s emotional state, if it’s happily stimulated, or if it’s bored in its new environment.

Whether fish have emotions such as boredom is debatable. But it’s scientifically proven that if the specific social needs for that species of fish aren’t met, the fish may behave abnormally. Social patterns vary, and the guidelines for properly keeping a fish active and healthy depends on its species. Some fish need to be around their own species to avoid aggressiveness, and others need to be with different breeds. For instance, catfish travel naturally in schools of fish, meaning they require active social lives to behave normally. On the other hand, if a betta fish is put with another fish outside of its mating cycle, it will most likely kill the other fish. So it’s better to keep some breeds alone.

Another thing to consider is the aquarium itself. You may discover your fish doesn’t swim around its tank often, only moving when it spots food. This is a sign the tank may be not interactive enough for that species.

It’s important to study the fish’s breed and try to mimic the natural habitat. For example, it’s been shown that migrating fish are often more active when the aquascape of their tank is changed regularly. This way, you simulate the fish traveling to a new location. Changing around rocks and plant life inside the tank every month is a good way to ensure your fish’s liveliness.

Also consider the fish’s habits. Sand, rocks, and shells are familiar and engaging objects. Some fish dig holes or build small hills with sand, while others are instinctively interested in traveling through rock formations or exploring larger plant life. There are even breeds of fish that will also move around objects like rocks and pebbles as a display of dominance and territory. During their mating season, it’s common for male fish to collect rocks and put them in a pile to display a spawning nest and attract a mate. Make sure there are enough items in your tank to intrigue the fish. We always encourage customers to change up their decorations every now and then to make it more interesting not only for the fish inhabitants, but for the people viewing the tank as well.

It’s also important to make sure the tank is the right size. Fish grow, and their aquariums need to grow with them. Larger tanks give fish more space to swim around and explore. Whether it’s one fish or a school of them, investing in a larger tank can keep fish active and investigative. Plus, larger tanks are easier to maintain, since you don’t have to change the water as often and the chemistry and temperature of the tank stays more stable.

Everything you need to keep your fish healthy and engaged in everyday life can be found at Aquatic Warehouse, a leading provider of high-quality fish tank supplies. Check out what we have online, stop by our store in Kearny Mesa, or give one of our aquarium experts a call today at 858-467-9297.