Playing Instruments in a Closed Room: Will It Stress Your Aquarium Fish?

Have you ever wondered if playing instruments in a closed room affects the fish in your living room tank? While vibrations and sounds can be perceived by fish, the relationship between music and fish behavior is not as simple as you might think.

Understanding the Lateral Line

Fish are highly sensitive to vibrations, thanks to a special sensory organ called the lateral line. This is a series of pressure-sensitive cells that run along the sides of a fish's body, allowing them to detect changes in water pressure and movement. Because of their lateral line, fish are quite attuned to any changes in their environment that might indicate a potential danger, such as the tapping on the glass.

Music and Fish Behavior

Despite the potential for vibrations, music doesn’t seem to bother fish as much as one might assume. Over the years, we have played music and even used amplifiers in the presence of shrimp and Betta fish, and we have observed no significant disturbances. Fish actually tend to exhibit interesting behaviors, such as dancing, when music is played. This might seem contradictory, but it indicates that fish can indeed differentiate between different types of environmental sounds. Loud thumps and bangs can startle fish, but music generally does not.

Specific Cases of Fish Sensitivity

While most fish are not overly sensitive to vibrations from music, some species might react differently. The Angel fish is a notable example. In a personal anecdote, it was observed that Angel fish became highly agitated and started ramming the sides of their tank when exposed to vibrations caused by construction work. This incident led to the loss of all Angel fish, indicating a certain level of sensitivity to such high-frequency vibrations.

Volume and Fish Behavior

At low to moderate volumes, fish are not bothered by music or other instruments. Background sounds, including those from a TV, vacuum cleaner, or even a small child, can be part of the natural environment that fish have adapted to over time. However, at high volumes, particularly when accompanied by low, repetitive bass tones, fish can become stressed. These sounds are akin to the rumbling bass from subwoofers that can disturb your neighbors late at night. If the volume is too high, it might be better to choose a quieter space for your instrument practice.

The Impact of Different Instruments

Not all instruments are equally disruptive. Loud noises from electric guitars, bass, or amplifiers are more likely to startle fish, whereas softer instruments like the piano might be less intrusive. Conversely, electronic music and loud, low-frequency sounds are more likely to cause stress. If you are unsure whether your practice sessions are affecting your fish, keep an eye on the surface of the water and observe the behavior of the fish. If they show signs of stress or unusual behavior, it might be time to lower the volume or find a more suitable practice location.