jumping fish???

[Magnum Man]

it's often stated that a cover is needed, on tanks, or the fish will jump out... while I'll admit, some species are naturally jumpers... but it's also often said about fish sometimes even fancy guppies, with all the baggage in extra finnage... I suspect in those cases, there is more to it... tank too small, water or temperature not "just right", not enough plants or cover to make them feel secure... I have about a dozen tanks running, the bulk of which are uncovered, and in the last 3 years, since I restarted my tanks, I've had one fish jump out... it would seem, if all their needs are being met, most fish wouldn't need to jump to the next puddle... of course there are fish that are leapers, that will need a cover, ( like a hatchet fish, or an Arrowanna ) but I suspect most will stay in a tank that provides everything the fish actually needs...

thoughts???

 

[Back in the fold]

There are some fish that just have to jump . The majority of Killifishes are the best example . Cichlids not so much . Swordtails will take a flyer if they can but why chance it ? It’s always bummed me out to find dried up fish on the floor . Worse is when they’re covered in dust and lint . I shudder to think what their final desperate moments were like .

 

[emeraldking]

Although, not all fish will jump, but all fish do have the potential to jump... Even if it's just a small jump...

 

[Whitecloudminnowguy09]

A happy fish that is not a jumper fish (since they were born jumpers) and is happy in their enviorment is not going to say, ah heck lemme take a dive. We know that all fish can jump, and even in some circumstances, some fish in great tanks (parameter-wise) will jump anyway. Why? We do not have all the answers. One of the many things that makes me wonder about how wonderful these fish were made in creation. Amazing.

 

[anewbie]

A lot of fishes jump to catch bugs And when you have a glass top on they bruise their nose

 

[Colin_T]

Most fish that jump do it because they are startled. This is most common first thing in the morning when people turn tank lights on in a dark room and the fish go from dark to light instantly. It also happens if someone or something accidentally hits the tank. The fish can freak out and panic and either dash into the glass or jump.

Even though most fish don't want to jump out of an aquarium, they can all do it and a well fitted coverglass can mean the difference between keeping your fish for a long time and finding one dry and crispy on the floor.

 

[GaryE]

Why jump?
Being startled and taking evasive action.
Seeing an attacker in the tank taking a run at them from below.
Seeing an insect close to the surface.
Declining water quality when we don't do water changes.
Losing a fight with its own species.

And, quite possibly, the joy of being able to jump, which has very little cost in nature.