Q&A for How to Train Your Fish to Do Tricks

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What if you can't put the food on the string or hook?

Community Answer

Try to use your finger to hold it instead, since you need to remove it from the string or hook anyway.

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Question

How will my fish know to do the trick?

Community Answer

They are intelligent enough and just want some treats. They will do the best they can for the treat.

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Question

What could cause my betta to be afraid of the hoop?

Caeiia

Top Answerer

It might be too bright, or he doesn't know what it is. Slowly move it into his range of sight so he gets used to it.

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Question

How soon after purchase can I start training my fish?

Community Answer

Wait a few days for your fish to adjust to its new environment and begin recognizing you. Then get started!

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Question

What can I do if my fish isn't understanding what I want?

Community Answer

You may need to bond more, and help your fish to trust you more.

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Question

I have two fish. I don't know which one to train, because I feel that if I train one, the other will get jealous. What should I do?

Community Answer

Train them both! Just separate them and train them at the same time, alternating back and forth. Remember to give them treats!

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Question

Can I train my fish? My tank has eight fish.

Community Answer

You could, but you need to separate the one you want to train into a different tank.

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Question

What do I do if another fish distracts my fish?

Community Answer

Place your fish in a separate bowl or tank while you're training it so it doesn't get distracted.

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Question

What if my fish never goes through the hoop?

Community Answer

Maybe the fish is stressed out and does not understand what to do. Give her a few days' rest before trying again.

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Question

My fish is too lazy to be trained. What do I do?

Community Answer

Try different incentives, like a new kind of food.

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Question

How can I get my fish to swim upward toward me without hitting me?

Community Answer

Maybe your fish is aggressive and does not trust you. Perhaps you should build trust with your fish before doing that trick.

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Question

Can I train a goldfish? I heard they die if given too much food. Is it true?

Community Answer

You can still train them, just only train them when you'd be feeding them anyway, and keep doing it every day. It won't happen right away, but if you're patient you should be able to teach them some tricks.

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Question

When I put my finger in the tank, all the goldfish come and bite it softly. What does it mean?

Community Answer

They're trying to see if they can eat your finger.

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Question

What about beta fish?

Community Answer

These instructions should work. Give it a try.

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Question

I have glow fish. Can I train them?

Community Answer

Yes, but Betta fish are the best to train with, and the easiest to take care of.

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Question

Will bettas survive in a cramped space?

Community Answer

They'll survive, but will not be happy or healthy and will probably not live as long.

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Question

How do I get my fish to follow my finger?

Community Answer

Try giving it food from your finger. This way, your finger might become a symbol of food for the fish. Then it will follow your finger. Don't ever trick it and not give it food if it follows your finger as that will make it mistrust you.

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Question

What if my fish doesn't like my finger?

Community Answer

Your fish may be stressed, so give him a while to get used to your finger. Train him to follow your finger outside of the tank before putting your finger in the water.

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Question

Can I train Shubunkin goldfish?

Community Answer

Sure, you should be able to train any type of goldfish, they are among the easiest fish to train.

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Question

How do I train multiple fish to do tricks?

Community Answer

Try one trick every day or two. It works best if you have had the fish for at least a week.

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Question

Will my betta fish bite if I let him eat from my finger?

Community Answer

He will bite the food, but I don't think he will be able to do much damage to you finger, even if he does.

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Question

My fish does not follow anything. What should I do?

Community Answer

Try feeding your fish in the same place, at the same time everyday. Do this for a while before following the steps outlined in the article.

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Question

My goldfish doesn't do the tricks. What should l do?

Community Answer

Try bonding more. If your fish is new, give it a dew days to relax and get used to the tank.

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Question

What date was this published last?

Community Answer

Click on History and see the top date to reveal the last edit and by whom.

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Question

Can I train a crayfish?

Community Answer

Possibly, but most likely it won’t work. You can still try though.

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Question

What if my fish won't bond with me?

Community Answer

Try to spend more time with the fish. Spend at least 10 minutes with it each day. Try not to let others near it too much.

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Question

Is one sex of fish more obedient than the other?

Community Answer

No, not necessarily.

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Question

My fish cannot finish the first part of following my finger; what should I do?

Community Answer

Keep trying but make sure you are giving your fish a break in between each training session!

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Question

Wouldn't feeding my fish by hand introduce bacteria in the tank?

Community Answer

As long as you wash your hands before putting them into the tank water, you shouldn't encounter any issues.

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Question

Can I train angelfish to do tricks? I tried, but it didn't do much. Only the female wants to train. How can I train the male?

Community Answer

It's possible. Males are lazy, though. If you give him treats, he might train.

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