lonely fish??

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friendorfoe

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Mar 7, 2005
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I have read that fish do not have memories of more than a couple mins, and that that don't have emotions but i have to sak this question anyways. I had a molly and a swordtail (who i still have) And they used to swim together constantley. Yesterday my molly died. My swordtail seems distraught now. He has now taken to the back right side of the tank, and only swims back and forth. Does he need some buddies? the tank is a 20L and all params are perfect. Is it smart to get him some new friends right away?
 
I am a firm believer in the fact that fish (and other animals) are smarter than we think they are. Maybe the fish weren't "friends", but the molly was a part if the swordtail's environment, and it is probably not used to not seeing the molly. I would go ahead and get another fish in a day or so, that way you don't cause too much stress.
 
I find this interesting. I've been watching my diverse community tank for some months now, and I see a distinct sense of community. Its like each fish is well aware of its tankmates and has cohesed into a group of sorts. Not to say they are lonely, alone, but become used to the environment and depend on its continuity for security.
I think your fish senses a change of community patterns as a result of the loss of the molly. Even if your introduce a new molly, it may or may not affect the community in the same way. Maybe one of his species would be better? Swordtails are happier in groups. Although, I have a lone female in my tank that seems to be just fine on her own. I guess it all depends.
 
he seems to be circleing one of my cories now. I have been watching him for about 10 minites and he just keeps cirleing him, he even wraps his tail around him to make it more of a circle. He doesn't seem to be attacking him but he won't let the poor cory get away. :huh:
 
I think my fish enjoy the company of each other. When I added two very small angels in with my dwarf neon rainbows, the rainbows surrounded them with much interest and curiosity. Almost like a welcome wagon committee. My angels now school with the rainbows! I would definitely add another so your fish will not feel isolated.
 
My two puffers love to hang around with each other. They love playing with each other, oddly, and do EVERYTHING together. If they run away from me, they run away together, they eat together, swim together, etc.
 
i had 2 zebra danios and one died. the survivor was very lethargic. kept hiding in the decorations and wouldnt eat. we introduced two new zebras to the tank today and now he is back to his usual self, zipping around the tank and eating again.
 
I had a dalmation molly and betta that didn't swim together, but in a 15 gallon, saw each other doing their thing. They often found food together though. The dalmation died and the betta since has been a lot less active. He gets energy spurts, he eats normal, but he spends a lot of time hanging in my wisteria.

My husband and I were pondering if the betta doesn't feel he has to prowel his territory now that the dalmation is gone, or if he is stressed/depressed. The rest are bottom feeders, so they don't visit the betta at the top. I know bettas are solitary, but I can't help but wonder if he wants a buddy.
 
friendorfoe said:
I got my swordtail two platies. He seems so much happier...they are swimming all together like a schooling fish!!
Click to expand...


There ya go :)


FishyLisa, you might try adding a few whiteclouds, they are surface dwellers and seem to keep my betta entertained and feeling secure.
 
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