Stress in aquarium fish can be a major problem, and as an owner, you naturally want to identify it as quickly as possible. But how do you recognize it? Below are some symptoms, the causes of stress, and what you can do about it.
Stress in fish is recognizable by rapid gill movements, a pale color, hurried swimming, and a lack of responsiveness. This is often caused by unrest, poor water quality, or improper fish stocking or composition.
How do you recognize stress in aquarium fish?
Stress can manifest itself in fish in various ways. Look for the following symptoms:
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Rapid movement of the gill covers | The fish are breathing rapidly, which indicates stress or oxygen deficiency. |
| White/pale in color | A healthy fish has vibrant colors. Stress can fade these colors. |
| Swimming in a hurry and with pressure | The fish may swim around restlessly with no clear direction. |
| Letting oneself half-float | Fish that stay at the surface or at the bottom can suffer from stress. |
| Barely react | If you touch the aquarium with your hand, the fish may stop responding. |
What causes stress in a fish?
There are several factors that can cause stress in fish:
- Poor water quality
- Lots of movement in or around the aquarium
- Heat stress and oxygen deficiency (for example corydoras that shoot upwards quickly)
- Wrong fish species together
- After transporting the fish
- An aquarium that is not set up correctly for the type of fish
Want to learn more about how to optimally design your aquarium? Then check out our aquascaping service and maintenance .
Why is it bad for your fish to experience prolonged stress?
Long-term stress can have serious consequences for your aquarium fish. It can lead to reduced resistance to disease, making your fish more susceptible to infections like ich. This disease manifests as small, white spots on your fish's skin and fins. Therefore, it's crucial to take stress seriously.
Curious about more common diseases and how to treat them? Read our article on the most common fish diseases .
How to Relieve Stress in Aquarium Fish?
The most important thing is to eliminate the cause of the stress. Give your fish the space and peace they need. A little aquarium salt can help them feel more at ease, but there are also various (natural) calming agents on the market, such as Esha Optima, that can help your fish calm down. 
Finally
Need help identifying or resolving stress in your fish? Feel free to send me a WhatsApp message or visit our service page . We're here to help! 😊
