Aquarium fish don’t eat each other because they are appropriately spaced, and the suitable fish species are kept together. This ensures that fish get enough resources like food and avoid competition that can make them aggressive. However, there are some factors that can trigger cannibalism among aquarium fish, such as disease, opportunism, water quality, and aggression. In this article, we will explore how aquariums prevent fish from eating each other and what you can do to avoid this problem in your own tank.
One of the reasons why fish may eat each other is disease. If a fish is infected with a contagious disease, it may spread to other fish in the tank and cause them to die. The dead fish may then become food for the surviving fish, who may also catch the disease from eating them. This can create a vicious cycle of infection and cannibalism.
To prevent this, aquariums quarantine their fish before introducing them to the main tank. Quarantine is a process of isolating new or sick fish in a separate tank for a period of time, usually two to four weeks, to observe their health and behavior. This way, any disease can be detected and treated before it affects the rest of the fish population.
Aquariums also monitor the water quality and parameters of their tanks regularly, such as pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and temperature. These factors can affect the immune system and stress level of fish, making them more susceptible to disease. By maintaining optimal water conditions, aquariums can ensure the health and well-being of their fish.
Another reason why fish may eat each other is opportunism. Some fish are naturally opportunistic feeders, meaning they will eat whatever is available, including other fish. This can happen when a fish dies of natural causes or injury and becomes an easy meal for the others. It can also happen when a fish is injured or weak and cannot defend itself from predators.
To prevent this, aquariums choose fish species that are compatible with each other and have similar dietary requirements. For example, herbivorous fish are less likely to eat other fish than carnivorous or omnivorous fish. Aquariums also avoid mixing fish of different sizes, as larger fish may see smaller fish as prey. Additionally, aquariums provide enough food for their fish, so they do not resort to eating each other out of hunger.
Water Quality
Another reason why fish may eat each other is water quality. Poor water quality can cause stress and discomfort for fish, which can lead to aggression and cannibalism. Some of the factors that can affect water quality are overcrowding, overfeeding, inadequate filtration, and lack of water changes.
To prevent this, aquariums follow the rule of thumb of one inch of fish per gallon of water, or one centimeter of fish per liter of water. This ensures that the fish have enough space to swim and breathe. Aquariums also feed their fish according to their needs, not more than they can consume in a few minutes. This prevents excess food from rotting and polluting the water. Aquariums also use adequate filtration systems to remove waste and toxins from the water, and perform regular water changes to replenish oxygen and minerals.
Another reason why fish may eat each other is aggression. Some fish are naturally aggressive and territorial, meaning they will attack and chase other fish that enter their space. This can result in injuries and deaths, and the aggressors may eat the victims. Some of the factors that can trigger aggression in fish are mating, breeding, competition, stress, and boredom.
To prevent this, aquariums provide enough hiding places and decorations for their fish, such as plants, rocks, caves, and driftwood. This allows the fish to establish their own territories and avoid conflicts. Aquariums also introduce new fish gradually and carefully, to avoid upsetting the existing hierarchy and balance. Aquariums also keep fish of the same species in groups, as some fish are social and need companions of their own kind.
Conclusion
Aquarium fish don’t eat each other because they are appropriately spaced, and the suitable fish species are kept together. However, there are some factors that can trigger cannibalism among aquarium fish, such as disease, opportunism, water quality, and aggression. By following the best practices of quarantine, compatibility, feeding, filtration, water changes, hiding places, and introduction, aquariums can prevent fish from eating each other and ensure a harmonious and healthy environment for their fish.
