Interesting Behavior...

[MtbGirl]

Recently, we changed the gravel and ornaments in my son's tank. We went from blue gravel to more natural-looking, brownish river pebbles and I put some driftwood in the tank.

Since then Herbie, the algae eater, has been out and about more. He sticks to the side of the tank or in the corner, sometimes he sits in the front of the tank near the glass. It used to be that when we approached the tank he would swim away and hide in the the little cave he had dug out for himself. Now, he stays out and lets us watch him.

I wonder why Herbie feels so brave lately? Does he know he's camouflaged a little better amongst the brown rocks instead of the blue gravel? Maybe because the tank is more natural-looking he feels more at home?

I feel as though the fish are swimming about in the open a little bit more than before, but my husband doesn't think their behavior has changed. Although we have noticed the cardinals seem to group together more than they did before.

 

[mlawson]

Your fish are probably acting more normally now, bright and colourful
substrate and ornaments are stressful for fish. This has been scientifically
proved and I'm sure now you've learned that the more natural
looking tank is a better surounding for the fish.

 

[MtbGirl]

Your fish are probably acting more normally now, bright and colourful
substrate and ornaments are stressful for fish. This has been scientifically
proved and I'm sure now you've learned that the more natural
looking tank is a better surounding for the fish.

Yes, I had no idea the other "decorations" were stressful for them!! Live and learn. I'm glad they're happier.