If you have a pet fish, especially a solitary Betta, you may wonder how to communicate affection to your non-furry pet. Is it okay to touch and pet Bettas?
Generally, you should not pet your Betta, or any other pet fish, because you could accidentally damage the slime coat and change the bacterial composition on its skin. Unlike mammals, fish also do not like being petted. To prevent causing stress to your fish, choose non-contact ways to play with it and avoid touching your Betta unless needed for care.
There are several issues to consider when handling your Betta or other species of pet fish.
WHY YOU SHOULD AVOID PETTING YOUR FISH
Fish Do Not Like Being Touched
There is no mechanism for fish to enjoy being petted the way mammals do.
According to a study published in Nature Neuroscience, cats, dogs, and other furry animals have receptors in their follicles in the skin that send signals to the brain to induce pleasure. For that reason, socialized furry animals love getting pets so much. Most wild animals communicate by physical contact, too.
Although fish also have sensory receptors on their skin, they have no hair follicles and do not have the same neuronal pathways. Being petted is not a form of interaction they find pleasant and most fish in the wild do not touch each other at all, even those that travel in schools.
The Slime Coat Is Easy to Damage
The slime coat is essential to Betta’s health. It is a barrier composed of glycoproteins that keeps fish protected from bacteria and other external forces. The slime coat also maintains a normal balance of electrolytes in their bodies.
Any break in the slime from a mechanical injury is like a scratch to us. If a large portion of slime is inadvertently removed, it is comparable to losing a large patch of skin.
Even if you just need to move your fish between containers, it is best to use wet latex or vinyl gloves or a glass with water in it to scoop up the fish. The slime coat is so fragile that even handling your Betta with bare hands for a brief transfer could damage the layer of slime.
Petting your fish could interfere with the integrity of the coat, similar to any other kind of handling it.
The Risk Of Bacterial Disbalance
Fish have very specific microbiota in their bodies which is essential for their health. Handling your pet fish more than necessary increases the risk of introducing new bacteria and disturbing the normal bacterial composition of the environment of your Betta.
Be sure to wash your hands before and after you pick up your pet fish. It is certainly best to minimize touching, and that includes petting, your Betta.
Stress
Since fish are not cuddly beings, unlike mammals, being touched, no matter how gently, could induce stress in your pet.
Bettas in particular are known to be territorial and they do not even move around in schools the way many small fish species do. So, too much close interaction is stressful for these fish.
If a Betta feels stressed out and threatened, it can try to bite your hand. Although it will not cause any damage to you, a Betta could injure its jaw that way.
HOW TO PLAY WITH BETTA WITHOUT TOUCHING IT
Bettas, as well as other fish, do enjoy other forms of interaction.
Bettas are also known to be intelligent species of fish. Contrary to a common misconception, they have a good memory. They recognize the owner and get bored if they do not have sufficient stimulation. So, although it is best to avoid touching and petting your pet fish, you absolutely should play it.
Doodle on the Aquarium
You Betta might enjoy watching you draw patterns on the aquarium. This activity is great because it is easy to provide a new pattern every time, and this game could be therapeutic to both the owner and the pet. It is best to use a washable marker to draw on the glass.
Use a Mirror
Bettas flare their beautiful fins when they see their reflection in a mirror.
It could be a fun game but avoid playing this way more than a couple of times a week since your Betta could experience too much stimulation if it sees its reflection too often. It could be stressful for the fish if done too frequently.
Bettas Like to Observe
Keep the aquarium in a place where your fish can see but out of the high traffic areas and bright light.
Bettas like to observe things and your pet might like to watch its surroundings and movement. In addition, seeing you often helps your Betta get used to you and be comfortable with your presence.
Teach Your Fish Some Tricks
You could use treats to teach your Betta to swim through a hoop, for example. Your fish might be a little apprehensive next to your hand at first but should get used to it after a few times.
Any game you play that involves treats should be played in moderation to prevent overfeeding your fish.
Use Fun Decorations for the Aquarium
Having a nice set of safe decorations for your aquarium is important for your Betta to help avoid boredom.
Bettas like patterns and mazes, they enjoy swimming through different objects and looking at a variety of things. Artificial plants or natural plants are a wonderful way to decorate the tank and provide your fish with opportunities to hide, rest, and explore.
To Conclude
Like any other pet, fish like to interact with their owner but the form of interaction is a little different. Touching your Betta and petting it is not good for it.
Watch for any signs of stress when playing with your Betta. Some fish become restless or hide. If your Betta eats and moves around appropriately, then the level of stimulation and interaction it receives is likely appropriate.
