Is it all right to stroke a fish?

Answer 1

It is recommended that you never touch or stroke your fish. At times, it may be necessary (if it is tangled in netting, for example), but needless contact with your fish will increase the chances of stress, injury and disease.

Whether your fish enjoys being touched or stroked is unknown. It is likely that your fish will come to your hand in anticipation of being fed, but it is not an indication of enjoyment.

== == == == The post below is correct, but, yes, you can pet your fish's head and often Koi or Gold Fish love to be stroked and some will even kiss you if you lower your face down (I've done it.) The trick is, wet your hands first, then lightly stroke the fish on the head. Don't make too much of a habit of it. Some species of fish can actually be quite affectionate. When my husband and I go fishing and if our fish is under-sized we wet our hands and try to get the hook out of the mouth of the fish without touching it. As the poster below said, most fish have a protective slime and it shouldn't be disturbed. It is not wise to "stroke" or "pet" your fish. Unlike mammals, fish do not like being stroked. Most importantly, fish have a protective slime on their bodies which helps to keep them healthy. Your fingers will remove the slime layer and make them prone to disease. You are better off admiring your fish from afar, or just giving them treats out of your hand. I pet my gold fish all the time. With very clean hands, I put my hand in the tank. The fish come to my hand and rub on me. I have been doing this for years. I do it daily. It is also a great chance to keep tabs on their attitude and health. gold fish are in the carp familly, the toughest fish there is, any other fish will not do so well with " affection'. i guess it would depend on the fish. mostly I would say no