Loach Love

[Zaffimitsu]

My dojo loaches finally like my enough to sit in my hand, let me touch their fins and they'll slide agaisnt my hand and nibble my fingers. THey also eat food out of my hand.

May be common or something, but I think it's cool. Can't wait for my bigger tank, so I can start a family of these fish.

[Kitishane]

I'm going to probably be asking a ton of newbie questions as I get used to having loaches, so please bear with me.

Is it common for loaches to accept being handled? I've seen numerous pictures of this, but wasn't sure if it was just a rare occurance, or if this was something that is common in the loach species.

[adampetherick]

Generaly handling fish would not be a good idea as it will remove the slime/mucus that surround the fish and puts them at risk of picking up nasties.

Carp fishing here requires soft nets and unhooking mats for exactly that purpose

[TammyLiz]

I believe that it is common with dojo loaches. I have heard more than a few accounts of it. However, they are unique in that respect, and most loaches do not seek it out or permit it.

[Mark in Vancouver]

I'm going to probably be asking a ton of newbie questions as I get used to having loaches, so please bear with me.

Is it common for loaches to accept being handled? I've seen numerous pictures of this, but wasn't sure if it was just a rare occurance, or if this was something that is common in the loach species.

Make sure your hands are completely clean as well, before they go in the tank. These fish do not need the oil and bacteria that tend to build up on your fingers.

[dlenn]

Well our P.Cheni's are pretty scared of hands and arms and fingers really although they know that they produce food :) the babies are funny they put their fins when you do snail patrol.

Our Goldfish will usually take the Tetra pellets and peas out of your fingers (unless they are on an "I'm scared of my own shadow day"). You have to persevere with this at first though to convince them you're not going to do anything horrible to them.

I guess most fish of the larger variety once they have conquered their fears can/would/might take food from your fingers. Of course some might try for the fingers too :wink:

dlenn