Just Curious

[coyemuse]

As some of you know, I had to temporarily move my three swords to an 15 gallon plastic tub until I can get a new tank on Thursday. I never found the last fry. Anyway, since I moved them to the tub, at feeding time, I have to take the lid off, One of my swords jumped yesterday, but I was right there to save her. Tonight, I went to give them food, and left my finger tips on the water surface for a few seconds. all three swords came up and started sucking on my fingertips and bumping their backs on my fingers too, Is this safe for them?

 

[Yvonne465]

It shouldn't be a problem. I would affect their slime coat to pick them up but your'e not doing that. Not to worry.

 

[coyemuse]

I'm also not chasing them around the container, they're coming up to my hand on their own

 

[thereverendturtle]

Lots of big cichlids, especially oscars, seem to like being petted. No reason other fish wouldn't like it.

 

[soybean]

If there's something on the surface that might be edible they'll give it a go, be it food or fingers.

 

[Mowbz]

Agreed. I cant put my arm into my tank without physical assault from the barbs, and its not just the hand, they'll happily bite my fingers, wrists, elbows, anything that anyone else isnt already biting at.

Its cute if you have 20 or so minutes to stand around to hand feedthem, i can put my hand in the water with a algae wafer in and they'll sit on the palm of my hand and eat it. Not so cute when your trying to get maintenence done, or planting etc, as they just wont leave my arm alone and get in the way!

Its a sign they're happy with you, and know your hand going in the water doesnt mean harm.