Fish are living creatures. Like any other living creature, they too have the similar physical functions associated with life and growth. Thus, it should not be a thought to be surprised about whether the fish vomit or not.
Like any other living being, fish also vomit under various conditions. It is necessary to observe the fish and understand the reason for its barfing in order to take corrective measures.
WHY DO FISH VOMIT?
Just like humans or other animals, fish too have reasons why they vomit.
- Overfeeding: If bigger creatures like humans and animals can throw up if they eat excessive food beyond their digestive capacity, fish are but small souls that have comparatively smaller stomachs. When you bite more than you can chew, then it is obvious that you throw up the excess out of your body. Fish are greedy eaters and try to gobble up as much as possible when we try to feed them. Therefore, make sure that you put smaller quantities of food at a time and evenly distribute it in the tank for all fishes to share. This way there will not be concentration at one end for a particular fish. Under these circumstances, the fish throws out whatever excess it has swallowed and then restarts eating it at leisure.
- Stress: Yes, fish also undergo stress and their upset state of mind makes them throw up food. The common causes of fish stress are high levels of ammonia and nitrate in tank water due to irregular change of water, reduced levels of oxygen, incorrect tank temperature or low / high pH level. Remember, if the fish vomits chunks of food but starts eating them again, then it was only due to overfeeding and quick gobbling. On the other hand, if the fish does not eat the thrown up food, it is the sign of stress and you need to rectify the condition.
- Infection or disease: Just like us, when we do not feel well and lose interest in eating, any forcefully fed food is automatically expelled from the body. Similarly, if a fish is infected then it may vomit due to ill-health. The causes of infection can stem from unclean water and increased level of pathogens. If the fish is vomiting and not willing to eat, then one should immediately get it checked or try to analyze the reason behind it and take corrective measures, because the infection may spread and harm other fishes in the tank.
- For protection: Strange as it may sound, but fish also vomit to protect themselves. When they sense a stressor or other threat, they need to swim away faster to safety. In case of they are full then the heavy stomach hinders quick movement. In such cases, the fish throws out the food and makes its body light to facilitate faster movements.
HOW TO TACKLE THE FISH VOMITING
We have discussed the various reasons that may cause the fish to vomit. Now we should learn how to tackle each situation.
- Fish gobble up food greedily as they fear competition and threat of missing out on their share. In this case, it is better to put more food in the tank for all to share equally. Do not concentrate on one end of the tank and try to evenly distribute the food so that all the fishes get their fair share and a single one does not get overfed.
- Fish are pets that need care and attention like any other pet that you keep. Thus, it is the duty of the owner to take note of their well being and keep them stress-free. Find out the reasons of fish stress and find an immediate solution before the matter escalates. Once the root cause of vomiting is tackled, one can have a tank full of healthy fishes. Cleaning the tank periodically, changing the water regularly, maintaining proper tank temperature and giving good quality food to fish can keep them stress-free and happy.
- If you find your fish either staying still in a corner or swimming backwards, it is a sign of sick fish. Prompt attention and timely cure is necessary to get rid of the infection. If you suspect disease like Hexamita, then a trip to a vet can ensure good treatment. Look for signs of hole in the head or badly crumpled and torn fins. Some diseases can be contagious and before other tank mates get infected, it is wise to isolate the vomiting fish and treat it.
- Fish either try to swim away from stressors or other likely threats. In order to protect your fish from anxiety regarding its safety, it is better to put friendly breeds together in a single tank that do not have conflicts of co-existence. In case of detected stressors, rectify the situation at an earliest.
SOME STRANGE FACTS ABOUT FISH VOMIT
Now that we have discussed and ascertained the fact that fish DO vomit, let us look at some strange facts.
- It is not only the food that the fish vomits, but on many occasion it brings out its entire stomach. Sharks are known to do that often.
- Sperm Whale usually feeds on squids. The indigestible parts of squid begin to accumulate in the whale’s body and irritate the intestines. This further collects to form a smelly rock like lump that is known as whale-vomit. This is solid, flammable and waxy substance called Ambergris. It is extremely expensive and since it mixes with alcohol and other like substances, it is used in perfumery. This has musk like aroma and highly preferred to make perfumes. However, even though it is called “whale-vomit” it is believed that it is pooped than vomited. This waxy mass protects the whale’s gut from pointed beaks and a kilogram of the same can fetch well over 50 thousand dollars.
CONCLUSION
Fish are living creatures that go through similar life-performances as any other living being. Therefore, it is no point to wonder that fish also vomit like anyone else.
One needs to monitor the fish carefully if fish vomit is detected in the tank and try to ascertain the reasons behind it.
Fish are wonderful pets that need same care and attention like any other pets and proper care, love and attention can ensure a tank full of happy, healthy and vibrant fishes.
