Have you ever imagined petting a fish like you would a dog or cat? A captivating video circulating online shows a man seemingly petting a fish, a Midas Cichlid, and it’s sparking a lot of questions. The fish in the video appears to swim towards the person’s hand, almost as if seeking affection, prompting the question: is this behavior normal, and can you actually pet a fish?
To understand this intriguing interaction, The Dodo consulted with Jonathan Balcombe, a respected animal ethologist, author, and Department Chair for Animal Studies at Humane Society University. Balcombe’s insights shed light on the fascinating world of fish behavior and their capacity for touch interaction.
According to Balcombe, while not all fish enjoy or tolerate being touched, some species may indeed appreciate gentle human interaction. He explains that a fundamental aspect of animal behavior is approaching pleasurable stimuli and avoiding unpleasant ones. In the viral video, the Midas Cichlid repeatedly returns to the hand, suggesting a positive experience. “It appears to like the touch because s/he swims back to the hand repeatedly,” Balcombe noted. This indicates that, in certain circumstances, fish can find human touch agreeable.
Touch, surprisingly, serves as a powerful stress reliever for various animals, and fish are no exception. Balcombe highlights examples of other fish species known to engage in tactile interactions. Groupers, for instance, are known to seek out trusted humans for stroking. Similarly, cleaner fish gently stroke their client fish with their fins as part of their cleaning process, indicating that touch plays a role in their interactions. Further supporting this, a study on surgeonfish revealed that stressed fish spent more time in contact with a mechanized wand that stroked them compared to unstressed fish. This suggests a potential therapeutic effect of touch for fish experiencing stress.
Balcombe speculates that the fish in the viral video is likely tame and accustomed to human touch. He suggests that the interaction might be based on a relationship of trust developed between the fish and the handler. “Without knowing the specifics of relationship between the fish and the handler in this video, we can only speculate on whether we’re witnessing a known relationship based on trust. I would guess so, as fishes routinely recognize other individual fishes, and there is anecdotal evidence that they also learn to recognize familiar humans.” This highlights the capacity of fish to recognize individuals and potentially form bonds, making tactile interaction within trusted relationships more plausible.
However, it’s crucial to understand that this doesn’t mean you should start petting every fish you encounter. Many fish are easily startled and can be harmed by overstimulation or bacteria on human hands. It’s generally not recommended to touch fish in the wild or fish you are unfamiliar with. The viral video offers a unique glimpse into the possibility of petting a fish under specific circumstances, but it’s best to appreciate such interactions from a safe distance, perhaps through online videos, rather than attempting to replicate them without proper knowledge and consideration for the fish’s well-being.
In conclusion, while the idea of petting a fish might seem unusual, the viral video and expert analysis suggest it’s not entirely impossible. Some fish, particularly those accustomed to human interaction, might indeed enjoy gentle touch. However, it’s essential to prioritize the fish’s safety and well-being and understand that petting is not appropriate for all fish. Enjoy observing these fascinating creatures, and if you’re curious about fish interaction, perhaps stick to watching captivating videos for now.
