Stress

[babygeige]

Ok, I am sorry if this is a dumb question, but I haven't really been able to find a clear answer to it. How do you know if a fish is stressed? Does it swim around like crazy or will it hide in a plant? Or do different fish have different reactions to stress?

[cstrohmeyer]

This is a very subjective question, you can get alot of equally good answers to this question.
In my opinion there is no certain way to determine stress in fish.
Your actions or envirement can help in determining fish stress.

For example; if your fish are hiding alot and dart rapidly when you are present and one of your actions is to tap on the tank every time you are present, your fish are probably stressed. But with those same symptoms and a change of personality (the fish usually come to the front of the tank when you are present), you probably have a disease present.

Other causes of stress include aggressive fish, over crowding, poor water conditions, and rapid changes in lighting.

Symptoms include darting, hiding, rapid breathing, poor appetite. And different fish react differently. Make sure to correct water conditions or treat the disease if they are determined to be the cause.
http://aquarium-info.blogspot.com/

Carl
Aquarium Design and Maintenance since 1978
http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/

[Bettachris]

water changes are a good example for stress, also when you have idiots tapping on the glass like wild people.

some fish will stress out by turning pale, ex. Betta splendens will often turn colorless and get horizantal stripes. Other fish may hide, jump, swim crazy etc...

[babygeige]

Thanks! The reason I ask is that one of my platies likes to swim around the front of the tank. I wouldn't really describe it as crazy or darting, and she's the only one who does it, so I was just wondering. She doesn't seem to stick to one spot, and doesn't spend 100% of the time at the front, just more than the others. Maybe that's just where she likes to be...?

[Bettachris]

very very light chance, but it could possibly be the current from the filter is making a downward current against the front glass causing her swimming blance to be off, again very unlikely but it is possible.

just make sure that the water is a good temp as well.