In the wild, one of the biggest stress factors to small fish, which includes the majority of aquarium species, is being preyed upon, so the fish goes to great lengths to avoid this. Stress can prevent feeding, cause behavioural changes, and reduce immunity, allowing diseases to take hold. Any factors that cause stress are detrimental to health and will prevent fish from exhibiting normal healthy behaviour. To some it may sound a bit strange, but fish need to feel comfortable and safe in their surroundings if they are going to be healthy and experience a good quality of life. To understand how this relationship works, we have to look to the fish's natural environment first. Whilst these things are vitally important, there is another issue that has a direct effect on our fish's wellbeing that is often overlooked, and that is the visual environment we put them in.Ĭhoices such as the type and colour of gravel, the style of background, real or artificial wood, and the colour of decorative ornaments might seem to be purely for our own benefit in creating a pleasing appearance, but they also have a role in whether your fish thrive or suffer. If you want your fish to thrive, you need to look beyond the solid facts of fish keeping and think about the effect of visual surroundings on your fishĪs many fish keepers know, or soon find out, there tends to be a focus on things like water conditions, filtration and maintenance when it comes to looking after our fish. Author: Think Fish Last updated: 17 February 2014 15:02

Best trace elements for tropical fish