Keeping fish in aquariums is a popular hobby around the world. However, some people argue that confining fish to small tanks is cruel and that fish would be happier living freely in rivers, lakes and oceans. In this article, we’ll examine both sides of this debate and look at the evidence on whether fish are unhappy when kept in tanks.
Do fish get stressed in tanks?
Those who believe fish are unhappy in tanks argue that the confined spaces stress fish out. In the wild, most fish species swim large distances as part of their natural behavior. For example, salmon can migrate thousands of miles across oceans. Being restricted to a small tank prevents fish from performing their instinctual swimming behaviors.
Tanks also lack the enriching complexity of a natural habitat. In the wild, fish interact with plants, rocks, logs and a wide variety of other fish species. Tanks are a sterile, boring environment in comparison. This lack of stimulation may cause fish distress.
Water quality issues can also occur in aquariums, subjecting fish to harmful chemicals, lack of oxygen and a build up of waste products. Under such conditions, fish are likely to become stressed.
Furthermore, tanks restrict natural behaviors like foraging for food and seeking shelter when threatened. Fish may become frustrated if they are unable to perform these essential activities.
Do fish show signs of stress in captivity?
According to those who believe tanks are bad for fish, there are observable signs that fish feel stressed when kept in captivity:
- Erratic swimming behavior – Fish darting around tanks aimlessly may indicate distress.
- Ramming tank walls – Fish repeatedly swimming into glass walls is interpreted as escape attempts.
- Hiding – Fish that spend lots of time concealed may be trying to avoid perceived threats.
- Loss of appetite – Fish that stop eating normally are likely unhappy with their living conditions.
- Color fading – A loss of normal coloration can signal fish distress.
- Fin damage – Some fish shred their fins on tank decor in response to stress.
- Disease – Stressed fish often become sick and diseased.
- Reduced lifespan – Fish in captivity often die earlier than wild fish, suggesting tanks are bad for their health.
So in summary, those against keeping fish in tanks argue small spaces, lack of stimulation and improper water conditions cause measurable stress responses in fish.
Do fish even need enrichment?
Those in favor of keeping fish in tanks sometimes argue that fish have simple brains and do not require environmental enrichment to stay healthy and content. The evidence on fish intelligence and emotional states paints a more complex picture though.
Scientists who study fish behavior have found they engage in activities that seem to promote wellbeing, such as play. Play behavior such as repeatedly shooting a jet of water at objects or investigating novel objects inserted into their tanks appears to be done for enjoyment. Fish also appear to take interest in exploring new spaces.
Being able to navigate through spaces, seek shelter and interact with their environments appears important to fish. Tanks that are bare and uniform may not allow them to perform these intrinsically rewarding activities. Just because fish brains are simpler than human brains does not mean they don’t have some capacity for experiencing distress, boredom or pleasure.
Can tanks ever meet fish needs?
Fish who advocate keeping fish responsibly argue tanks can meet all a fish’s needs, providing the tank is large enough and properly enriched. Some key considerations include:
- Tank size – Bigger is better. Get the largest tank possible, well above bare minimum recommendations.
- Swimming space – Long tanks enable continuous swimming for fish who need it.
- Schooling fish – Keep schooling species in large schools of 6+ fish.
- Compatible species – Don’t mix aggressive species or those requiring different water conditions.
- Plants – Include live plants for shelter and to improve oxygenation.
- Rocks/wood – Provide hides, territory markers and surfaces for algae growth.
- Substrate – Use smooth substrate that won’t damage fish.
- Filtration – Choose a high-quality filtration system suited to the tank size.
- Oxygenation – Use air pumps, water flow and surface agitation to maintain oxygen saturation.
- Water testing – Frequently test for toxins like ammonia, nitrites and nitrates.
- Partial water changes – Change out a portion of water weekly to replenish minerals and reduce waste buildup.
Following these best practices can help mimic a fish’s natural environment. Providing activities for enrichment is also recommended by fish experts. This includes providing movable tank decor, live foods to hunt and varied diet, introducing new objects and even training fish with food rewards.
How can aquarists know if their fish are unhappy?
Since fish can’t directly communicate their feelings to us, how can aquarists know if their fish are chronically stressed versus healthy and content?
Observing fish behavior is one way. Healthy fish will show signs like:
- Healthy coloration
- Active swimming
- Normal feeding
- Natural schooling/shoaling behaviors if appropriate for species
- Using tank space appropriately (i.e. bottom dwellers on bottom)
- Natural social behaviors like chasing/displaying
- Investigating/interacting with tank decor
- Seeking shelter when scared
- Lack of hurtful behaviors like rubbing against objects
If fish are exhibiting signs of chronic stress, an aquarist should first address any potential causes like poor water quality, overcrowding or aggression from tankmates. Sometimes upgrading to a larger tank or changing the tank setup is needed. Adding more fish of schooling species can also help shy fish gain confidence to exhibit natural behaviors.
Occasional unusual behaviors like skittishness or laying low for a day are not necessarily cause for alarm. But abnormal behavior as the norm likely means something in the tank needs adjustment to better meet the fish’s needs.
Conclusion
The evidence suggests fish likely do feel some degree of stress when confined to small, barren tanks. Tank size, enrichment, water quality and species social needs are all factors determining tank suitability. Well-designed tanks that provide space, complexity and species-appropriate tank mates are likely to keep fish healthy and content. While a tank can never truly replicate the open oceans, responsible aquarists can create tank environments that meet a fish’s needs for shelter, socialization and stimulating activity.
| Argument | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Fish are unhappy in tanks |
|
| Fish needs are met in proper tanks |
|
Healthy fish show:
- Natural behaviors like swimming, schooling, feeding
- Use of tank space
- Coloration
- Interest in environment
Stressed fish exhibit:
- Erratic swimming
- Hiding
- Ramming tank
- Loss of appetite
- Dull color
- Self injury
- Disease
In conclusion, while tanks are undoubtedly restrictive compared to the open ocean, responsible aquarists can meet a fish’s needs through careful tank setup and enrichment. Observing fish health and behavior guides tank adjustments. The debate continues around keeping fish in captivity at all, but improvements in aquarium practices may lead to fish living long, high quality lives comparable to the wild.
