As we have immersed ourselves in the aquaculture world to learn more about what matters to fish farmers, hatchery operators, and aquaculture engineers, a thought-provoking idea we have come across is the term happy fish.

Articles from distinguished publications such as the New York Times and National Geographic speak to the behavioral cues that indicate whether a fish is happy or not. Within these texts, academics and aquaculturalists agree that like humans, fish can be happy and that happy fish exhibit certain qualities and display behaviours that give indication to their level of happiness. 

Happy Fish Look Healthy

Happy fish look good, displaying physical characteristics such as bright scales and skin.

Happy Fish are Active

One of the most obvious characteristics of a happy fish is their energy – a happy fish will swim vigorously and have good vitality.

Happy Fish Have a Clean Habitat

Living in a dirty home can be stressful - the same is for fish. It is important to maintain the highest quality tank or environment as possible.

Happy Fish are Well Fed

Happy fish eat well and surface quickly to the introduction of food. 

These behaviours indicate that a happy fish is not under any kind of stress. Indications of stress include poor swimming, such as lower activity or frantic motions, low or loss of appetite, poor scales and colour, and gasping for air at the surface if oxygen levels are not maintained properly.