Jumping Fish

[Genesis]

Which species of fish are generally inclined to jump, and which arent?

thanks

 

[seanc]

Do you need a complete list..? Most common jumper is probably the zebra danio.

 

[Genesis]

well, i know bettas jump, do cichlids?
im thinking of an open topped planted tank with an overtank luminare
i just dont want to end up with shrivelled ex-fish on my carpet

 

[ArcticLancer]

Ciclids will DEFINATELY jump. I have a friend whos Oscar would just fully out of the water (when it was about 4" that is). A better question might be which fish don't jump >_>

 

[Genesis]

not all cichlids i dont think, went to my LFS yesterday and saw a deep malawi tank with no lid, just a luminare?

okay, which fish dont jump

 

[Fella]

pretty much all fish jump, apart from maybe plecs and catfish(but not all of them). Are you currently keeping a tank without a lid or something?

 

[Genesis]

nope, but my convict tank may not be covered

 

[karlp]

Most fish wont jump if they feel happy, secure and aren't startled. The trick is in making them feel secure.

Making the tank well planted with caves and hiding places will go a long way to help. The fish will tend to disappear into a wall of long Valisineria grass if they get nervous rather than jump out the tank.

Also floating plants can help to make fish feel less nervous, particularly surface dwellers.

Apart from that, there are a few complete non-starters (e.g, these are definitely jumpers or climbers that I know of)

- Hatchet fish (defintely out, flying fish, jumps when nervous)
- Butterfly fish (same again)
- Archer fish (jumps for insects)
- Lung fish
- crabs
- eels

there are a few more besides (I've read people can have problems with Arowanas, Oscars, some shrimp, Danios)