Friendly Fish

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Fish - Behavior

Friendly Fish

Are some fish more people-friendly than others? The answer is yes. Larger fish, as a whole, tend to respond better to humans. Cichlids, like the Red Oscar, though notorious for their fearsome, predatory character, can be tamed by hand feeding. The Pacu, from South America, is also reputed to be people-friendly. Anabatoids, including Siamese Fighting Fish and Gouramis, can be taught to come and wrap around your finger as you feed them.

Among the saltwater fish, Groupers and Triggerfish, though prone to bite fingers, can actually be hand-tamed. The rest of the species will either ignore you altogether or perceive you as a constant threat and swim away to hide.

Feeding is the best way to bond with people-friendly species. It may take a little time, but eventually they will learn to relate with you and may even recognize you as you enter the room.