Fish do not care how much time you spent in decorating their tank. Small fish will constantly move gravel or small stones in their tanks while larger fish can move surprisingly large rocks.
Function
Fish move gravel or rocks that will fit in their mouths in order to check for food or algae growing on the rocks, to create a spawning nest or by accidentally swimming into it.
Significance
Mouthing gravel or small rocks and spitting them back out is normal fish behavior. Many fish species, like goldfish, also chase each other as part of spawning behavior.
Prevention
Gravel should be smooth and not have any paint or toxic dyes on it, just in case the fish swallows it. Aquarium rocks should not have sharp edges in case the fish knocks into it.
Expert Advice
According to FirstTankGuide.net, large aggressive fish, like Oscars, will intentionally knock over rocks and move gravel into piles, perhaps to try and create their own hiding places.
Warning
According to "Freshwater Aquarium Problem Solver" (David Boruchowitz; 2006), if fish are constantly darting around the tank as if in a panic, knocking over rocks and are not spawning, this may be a sign that the tank water is too hot.
References
- HighlightsKids.com: Why do Goldfish Swallow Gravel and then Spit it Out?
- The First Tank Guide: Oscar Care Basics
- Freshwater Aquarium Problem Solver (David Boruchowitz; 2006)
Photo Credits
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Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Jelene Morris
Writer Bio
Rena Sherwood is a writer and Peter Gabriel fan who has lived in America and England. She has studied animals most of her life through direct observation and maintaining a personal library about pets. She has earned an associate degree in liberal arts from Delaware County Community College and a bachelor's degree in English from Millersville University.
