Effective Ways to Prevent Dragon Fish from Being Scared
Common Scenarios Leading to惊吓 in Dragon Fish and Their Solutions
1. Initial Purchase: When dragon fish are first introduced to a new environment, they are often startled due to their unfamiliarity, which is quite a normal occurrence. This is also why newly acquired dragon fish might not eat. They need time, sometimes days or even longer, to adjust to their new surroundings, during which they might exhibit signs of stress, such as not eating or lying at the bottom of the tank.
Solution: Initially, it's best not to rush to feed them or make any drastic changes like heating, salinizing, or changing the water. Just maintain a stable environment for the dragon fish. Wait until they have gradually acclimated to their new surroundings before feeding them. If they take a long time to adjust, you can try covering the tank with black paper to help them adapt more comfortably.
2. Mixed Tank Encounters: Dragon fish can also be startled in a mixed tank environment, especially when they are with larger fish. The smaller dragon fish may be bullied and frightened, which can even lead to death. The principle of 'big fish eat small fish' is timeless.
Solution: Ensure that the other fish in the tank are of a similar size to the dragon fish. If there are fish growing too quickly and becoming larger than the dragon fish, consider replacing them or using a separator to keep them apart until they are of a comparable size. This will help prevent bullying and reduce the risk of startling the dragon fish.
In addition, due to their timid nature, dragon fish are often easily startled by changes in the environment inside and outside the tank. Therefore, it's crucial to provide them with a stable and comfortable habitat, maintaining a consistent and appropriate water temperature. Adjust the water temperature as needed according to weather changes. Also, be cautious if there are other small pets or children in the home; avoid letting them move around in front of the tank to prevent startling the dragon fish.
However, if a dragon fish does get startled, there's no need to worry excessively. Generally, using 'the three essentials' can help soothe them.
Dr. Oxygen Pet Tips: Dragon fish vary in temperament, with some being more胆子 (bold) than others. However, as a general rule, dragon fish are quite sensitive to being startled. It's advisable for owners to pay close attention to their dragon fish, interact with them more often during leisure time, and get them accustomed to your presence. This not only fosters a bond but also provides them with more security, reducing the likelihood of them being startled.
