Have you ever considered petting a fish? A viral video recently surfaced showing a man seemingly petting a Midas Cichlid, and the fish appears to enjoy it, much like a dog seeking affection. This intriguing interaction raises questions about fish behavior and their capacity to enjoy physical touch. Is this behavior normal, or just a peculiar anomaly? To understand this phenomenon, we consulted animal behavior expert Jonathan Balcombe.
According to Jonathan Balcombe, a renowned animal ethologist and author, some fish species are indeed receptive to human touch. Balcombe, Department Chair for Animal Studies with Humane Society University, explains that like many animals, fish approach pleasant stimuli and avoid unpleasant ones. In the viral video, the Midas Cichlid’s repeated return to the person’s hand suggests a positive association with the touch. This indicates that, at least for some fish, being petted can be a desirable experience.
The science behind why a fish might enjoy being petted relates to stress reduction. Balcombe points out that touch is a known stress reliever for many animals, and fish are no exception. Studies have shown that stressed surgeonfish, for example, seek out tactile stimulation. This suggests that petting, in certain contexts, could offer comfort and reduce anxiety in fish. Furthermore, other fish species, such as groupers, are known to solicit gentle strokes from trusted humans, and cleaner fish even provide a form of tactile interaction by stroking their client fish with their fins during cleaning. This behavior indicates that touch plays a significant role in the social and comfort behaviors of various fish species.
“My guess is that the fish in your video is tame and experienced with being touched by humans,” Balcombe stated. He suggests that the interaction is likely based on a relationship of trust built over time. Fish are capable of recognizing individual members of their own species and, anecdotally, can also learn to recognize familiar humans. This capacity for recognition and learning suggests that the bond between the fish and the person in the video could be genuine and based on positive experiences.
While the video is fascinating, it’s crucial to understand that Petting Fish is not universally recommended. Many fish are easily startled, and improper handling can cause stress or injury. Additionally, our hands can carry germs that are harmful to fish. Therefore, unless you have a well-established relationship with a specific fish and understand its behavior, it’s best to admire them without physical contact. Videos like the viral clip offer a safe and enjoyable way to experience the concept of petting fish without any risk to the animals.
