| It can be one of the more frustrating things about | | | | you'll know which breeds you need to buy in groups |
| adding a new fish to your tank. You treat your new | | | | of four or five or more. |
| baby with care, ensure that it has the right | | | | Your next step may seem a little counter-intuitive: |
| temperature and pH and food and everything else, | | | | add more hiding places to your tank. A nervous fish |
| give it a few days to adapt – and STILL it | | | | can be made calmer by providing a safe place he can |
| remains hidden in the back of the tank, behind the | | | | go. Since even non-territorial fish may each want to |
| rocks, where no one can appreciate your fine new | | | | have a place of their own to run to when evil |
| addition. | | | | threatening kids tap on the glass, the more fish you |
| All fish get a little nervous about new surroundings, | | | | have, the more nooks and crannies you should |
| and most aren't very happy about the shocks and | | | | provide. More hiding places = more security = more |
| indignities of travel, so it's normal for a new guy to | | | | time spent out in the open. |
| go into hiding for a day or two as it gets used to its | | | | Just decorating the tank in general will make your fish |
| new home. However, if it's still being shy after a few | | | | feel less uncomfortable. Prey animals in a nearly |
| days, that tells you there's something else wrong. | | | | empty tank are easily stressed because they feel |
| Until you figure it out and fix it, your friend isn't going | | | | exposed and vulnerable, which can compromise their |
| to come out. | | | | immune system and make it harder for them to |
| The most frequent problem is when your new fish is | | | | resist disease and heal from injury. Adding plenty of |
| of a breed that normally travels in schools. Very | | | | rock and plant cover, or even neon-pink bubbling |
| powerful instincts tell this type of fish that he's not | | | | treasure chests, will ease the stress, which can help |
| safe if he's alone, or in a group that is too small, and | | | | immensely. |
| even long familiarity with a tank that's predator-free | | | | Fish that are comfortable in your tank are more likely |
| isn't going to overcome that instinct. With a bigger | | | | to display healthy color and natural behavior, and |
| school, they'll all feel safe and spend a lot more time | | | | they're going to spend more time out of hiding and |
| in the open. If you do your homework before buying, | | | | be more lively and entertaining to watch. |