THE SCIENCE BEHIND BEHAVIOR: FISH JUMPING OUT OF TANKS

The Science Behind Behavior: Fish Jumping Out of Tanks
Guppies are known, in particular, for jumping out of the tank. But why do they exhibit this behavior?
It is not uncommon for an inexperienced aquarium hobbyist to come home one day to find one or more of their fish have jumped out of the tank and dried up on the floor. This behavior is particularly common in small tropical species like swordtails and guppies but it is certainly not limited to these species. It is generally recommended that aquarium hobbyists keep their tanks lidded to prevent this very behavior, but some simply do not follow this advice. If you have ever lost a fish due to this behavior, you may be wondering what it is that spurs fish to jump out of the tank. Researchers Daphne Soares and Hillary S. Bierman recently conducted a study to determine the answer to this very question, focusing on guppies in particular.
 
About the Study
 
Soares was inspired to research the subject of fish jumping out of their tanks when one day a guppy soared through the air and landed in her cup of iced tea. To start the study, Soares and Bierman set up a high-speed digital video camera to capture guppies in the act of jumping out of the tank. What the researchers found was surprising yet incredibly telling – the fish backed up prior to the jump to gain speed for their launch. This suggests that not only is jumping out of the tank done on purpose, but it may actually serve a function. The results of the study showed that a fish as small as a guppy can achieve a leap several times its body length.
 
Related Examples of the Behavior
 
The behavior Soares and Bierman studied in relation to guppies is not an isolated event – many species of fish are known to jump with purpose. In some cases, fish have been known to jump out of tanks or a certain body of water as a means of escaping from predators. They may also do so as a means of hunting prey. Hatchetfish, for example, feed from the surface and may jump out of the water to dislodge insects crawling on nearby leaves. African butterflyfish (Pantadon buchholzi) are known to exhibit similar behavior and they even have specialized eyes that enable them to see clearly both above and below the water’s surface.
 
Reasons Fish Jump out of the Tank
 
In studying the jumping behavior of guppies, it was clear to Soares and Bierman that the fish did not jump to escape predators – neither were they jumping out of the tank to acquire food. This left the possibility that the guppies were jumping out of the water as a means of seeking another body of water. Several things might prompt a fish to exhibit this type of behavior. If the water quality in the tank is poor, the fish might jump out to seek a more appropriate environment. Other factors such as lack of hiding places, low oxygen levels and improper pH balance can also lead to fish jumping out of the tank. Unfortunately, in the home environment, there is not always another body of water for the fish to jump into.
 
Jumping Behavior of Betta Fish
 
This type of jumping behavior may not serve a purpose in the home aquarium environment, but it does in the wild. One species in which this behavior is particularly notable is the betta fish. Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, are native to Thailand (formerly Siam) where they live in still waters. These fish can be found in swamps, rice paddies and even roadside ditches. The size and condition of these bodies of water changes throughout the year, particularly with the annual monsoon season.
 
During the dry months, small puddles may dry up completely or the ammonia in the water may reach a level high enough to make the area uninhabitable. In cases like this, betta fish have been known to hurl themselves out of their environment into another body of water. If they are lucky, they will land in another puddle and can eventually make their way toward a larger body of water. If things go wrong, these fish possess a breathing organ called a labyrinth which enables them to breathe out of the water for short periods of time.
 
There is not much you can do to stop your fish from jumping if it is part of their natural behavior. You can, however, limit the negative repercussions of this behavior. If you keep a species of fish known for jumping, be sure to cover your tank with a lid. Other than that, you must make sure that your tank environment is clean and healthy enough that your fish do not feel the need to seek a new environment.
comments powered by Disqus
Cramped, Boring Environments Lead to Anger in Fish
Cramped, Boring Environments Lead to Anger in Fish
A recent study conducted by a biology professor at Case Western Reserve University reveals that environment size and complexity has a direct impact on aggressive behavior in aquarium fish.
Cleaning Your Tank Can Make You Sick
Cleaning Your Tank Can Make You Sick
Cleaning your aquarium is a necessity in order to keep your fish healthy.

MOST RECENT ARTICLES

The Basics of Freshwater Fish Compatibility
THE BASICS OF FRESHWATER FISH COMPATIBILITY
Whether you are new to the aquarium hobby or not, there are a few things you should know about freshwater fish compatibility.
How to Keep Your Saltwater Aquarium from Overheating
HOW TO KEEP YOUR SALTWATER AQUARIUM FROM OVERHEATING
Learn how to keep your saltwater aquarium from overheating.
Jewel Cichlid Species Profile
JEWEL CICHLID SPECIES PROFILE
Jewel Cichlids are a group of brightly colored cichlids from Africa.

Rate This Tank:

AQUARIUM NEWS AND TRENDS

The Surprising Health Benefits of a Home Aquarium
The Surprising Health Benefits of a Home Aquarium
In stressful times, having a home aquarium could be a benefit.
Smart tank technology is the future of the aquarium hobby
Smart tank technology is the future of the aquarium hobby
Modern advances in technology affect every industry - even the aquarium hobby.
The Science Behind Behavior: Fish Jumping Out of Tanks
The Science Behind Behavior: Fish Jumping Out of Tanks
Guppies are known, in particular, for jumping out of the tank.
Cleaning Your Tank Can Make You Sick
Cleaning Your Tank Can Make You Sick
Cleaning your aquarium is a necessity in order to keep your fish healthy.
Trending: Jellyfish in the Home Aquarium
Trending: Jellyfish in the Home Aquarium
You have probably seen your fair share of jellyfish in zoo aquariums, but did you know that it is possible to keep these creatures as pets?
Species Spotlight: The Axolotl
Species Spotlight: The Axolotl
If you are looking for a unique species around which to center your next tank, consider the axolotl.
Self-Poisoning: A Damaging Defense Mechanism
Self-Poisoning: A Damaging Defense Mechanism
If you have ever brought a group of corydoras catfish home from the store to find that they all died in transport, this article will be incredibly enlightening.
Species Spotlight: New Corydoras Catfish Discovered
Species Spotlight: New Corydoras Catfish Discovered
A species of Corydoras catfish that was discovered in the 1990s has finally been officially described and named.
How Has Technology Changed the Aquarium Hobby?
How Has Technology Changed the Aquarium Hobby?
Advances in modern technology have changed the world we live in, but how has it affected the aquarium hobby?
Aquarium Fish News: Bill Introduced to Limit Aquarium Fish Collecting
Aquarium Fish News: Bill Introduced to Limit Aquarium Fish Collecting
The saltwater aquarium industry takes millions of fish from oceans around the world each year.
Aquarium Hobbyists Help Save 30 Species from Extinction
Aquarium Hobbyists Help Save 30 Species from Extinction
The pet trade gets a bad rap for exploiting wild animals but sometimes the opposite is true.
Betta Fish Trending Topics for January 2017
Betta Fish Trending Topics for January 2017
The betta fish is and will forever be one of the most popular types of aquarium fish.
Trending: Adding LED Moonlights to the Aquarium
Trending: Adding LED Moonlights to the Aquarium
With advances in aquarium lighting technology, you now have the option to add specialized nighttime lighting to your aquarium.
The Oldest Aquarium Fish
The Oldest Aquarium Fish
Some fish are simply going to live longer than others, but what species have the longest lifespans?
Trending:  Sophisticated Water Quality Monitoring Devices
Trending: Sophisticated Water Quality Monitoring Devices
Testing your aquarium water is a chore that no aquarium hobbyist likes.
Changes in Marine Aquarium Design
Changes in Marine Aquarium Design
The only thing that doesn't change in the world is the fact that things change.
The Bright and Colorful Discus Fish: Spring 2017 Aquarium Trends
The Bright and Colorful Discus Fish: Spring 2017 Aquarium Trends
Discus fish are some of the most brightly colored fish in the animal kingdom.
New Discovery Key to Keeping Pinnatus Batfish
New Discovery Key to Keeping Pinnatus Batfish
The Pinnatus Batfish is one of the most striking species of saltwater aquarium fish, but notoriously difficult to keep in the home aquarium.
News: Unique Species to Hit the Market
News: Unique Species to Hit the Market
The new year brings a new wave of unique species to add to your home aquarium.
Cramped, Boring Environments Lead to Anger in Fish
Cramped, Boring Environments Lead to Anger in Fish
A recent study conducted by a biology professor at Case Western Reserve University reveals that environment size and complexity has a direct impact on aggressive behavior in aquarium fish.
How Aquarium Trends Affect the World
How Aquarium Trends Affect the World
Trends in the aquarium trade have an effect on more than just aquarium hobbyists -- they can affect the whole world.
Study Reveals that Fish May Have Individual Personalities
Study Reveals that Fish May Have Individual Personalities
While some species like Oscars are known for exhibiting dog-like behaviors, a recent study shows that many fish are capable of developing individual personalities.
Shrimp in the Home Aquarium: Spring 2017 Aquarium Trends
Shrimp in the Home Aquarium: Spring 2017 Aquarium Trends
If you're looking for a unique way to stock your new tank, give freshwater shrimp a try.
Media Reactors - An Innovative Approach to Aquarium Filtration
Media Reactors - An Innovative Approach to Aquarium Filtration
When it comes to aquarium filtration there are many options to choose from.
Wireless Aquarium Lighting Solutions
Wireless Aquarium Lighting Solutions
One of the latest developments in aquarium lighting is wireless control of LED systems.
Trending: Compact Aquarium Equipment
Trending: Compact Aquarium Equipment
One of the latest trends in aquarium equipment is compact upgrades.
The Top New Coral Species of 2013
The Top New Coral Species of 2013
The saltwater aquarium hobby is ever-changing -- trends and even species come and go.
News: Lionfish Invasion in the Atlantic
News: Lionfish Invasion in the Atlantic
Lionfish are a very popular species in the marine aquarium hobby but they have begun to threaten native populations in the Atlantic as they spread from their native habitat in the Indo-Pacific.
News: Trade Continues Despite Threatened Conservation Status
News: Trade Continues Despite Threatened Conservation Status
A recent paper published by the Conservation Research Group and the IUCN shows that more than 30 threatened species endemic to India are still being regularly exported, despite their conservation status.
Your Aquarium Might Not Be as Peaceful as You Think
Your Aquarium Might Not Be as Peaceful as You Think
For many aquarium hobbyists, the aquarium is a source of relaxation and serenity.
Aquarium News: Five New Species of Dwarfgobies Discovered
Aquarium News: Five New Species of Dwarfgobies Discovered
Gobies are some of the smallest fish in the world and dwarfgobies are the smallest of those.
Newly Discovered Fish Species of 2013
Newly Discovered Fish Species of 2013
New species of plants and animals are being discovered every year.
Cichlid Compatibility: February Week 2 Aquarium Trends
Cichlid Compatibility: February Week 2 Aquarium Trends
In the second week of February 2017, one of the highest trending topics in aquarium-related social media is in regard to cichlid compatibility.
Innovations in Marine Disease Treatments
Innovations in Marine Disease Treatments
Treating marine aquarium diseases is easier than ever with innovations like medicated frozen fish food.
Trending:  Nano Tanks More Popular Than Ever
Trending: Nano Tanks More Popular Than Ever
A nano tank is more than just a small fish tank -- it is a compact, self-contained ecosystem.
Trending: Colorful Species for the Marine Tank
Trending: Colorful Species for the Marine Tank
Color has always been a main component of the marine tank but these species are keeping the bar high.
Trending: Glow in the Dark Fish
Trending: Glow in the Dark Fish
Glow in the dark fish may not be a new trend but new additions to the market have recently been made -- glow in the dark convict cichlids and angelfish.
North American Aquariums Go Green
North American Aquariums Go Green
From recycling and organic farming, sustainability and conservation are two hot trending topics.
Aquascaping the Aquarium: March 2017 Aquarium Trends
Aquascaping the Aquarium: March 2017 Aquarium Trends
The art of decorating a home aquarium is called "aquascaping" and it is a trending topic in aquarium social media this month.
Read more articles (39)

READ AQUARIUM ARTICLES