Fish are likely to exhibit natural behavior in large groups rather than small
June 30th, 2009 - 3:29 pm ICT by ANIWashington, June 30 (ANI): A new research has determined that fish are more likely to exhibit natural behavior in a home aquarium in large groups, rather than when kept alone or in pairs.
Scientists at the Universities of Plymouth and Exeter in the UK conducted the research.
In line with the aim to establish welfare guidelines for fish, these researchers have been collaborating with the WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition, examining healthy stocking densities and the use of novel objects with fish commonly kept in home aquaria.
This current research looked at two common aquaria species, neon tetras and white cloud mountain minnows.
According to Dr Katherine Sloman from the University of Plymouth, “Fish kept alone or in pairs show higher levels of aggression than those kept in groups of ten or more; large groups are also more likely to exhibit natural behaviours such as shoaling.”
Further research is needed to ascertain the criteria for fish welfare in home aquaria.
The results of these studies, funded by the WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition, should go some way to improving welfare for these environmentally, economically and socially important and interesting animals. (ANI)
- India's first oceanarium to come up in Greater Noida - May 05, 2012
- Hyderabad Pets And Aquarium Expo 2009 declared a huge success - Nov 26, 2009
- In cramped space even fishes turn aggressive - Sep 23, 2011
- Jellyfish can now be kept as tank pets due to new breakthrough - Aug 24, 2011
- Kochi Ornamental fish show proves popular - Nov 28, 2009
- Designing 'robofish' to steer fish away from oil spills - Mar 02, 2012
- In shoals, fishes like school kids follow rules - Nov 08, 2011
- Fear of predators forced primates into social group - Nov 15, 2011
- 'Pessimistic' dogs tend to behave badly - Oct 12, 2010
- Study shows fish can count - up to 3 - Jan 20, 2011
- A dog may be man's best friend but a cat is woman's! - Feb 25, 2011
- Aqua business opportunities on display at Chennai. - Feb 10, 2011
- New rules for aquarium owners - Jun 09, 2010
- 'Robotic fish' that could save thousands of undersea creatures - Mar 02, 2011
- Now, a flourescent fish to track pollution - Apr 19, 2012
Tags: aggression, current research, densities, dr katherine, exeter, further research, home aquaria, home aquarium, interesting animals, large groups, natural behavior, natural behaviours, neon tetras, novel objects, pet nutrition, sloman, university of plymouth, waltham centre, welfare guidelines, white cloud mountain