Getting To Know You

[PaulineMi]

I observe them and they do the same in return. 

[Mugwump]

LOL.....yep, the old evil eye and.."where's my bloodworms?" look...

[PaulineMi]

Lol.....Jon, yes you are an experienced fish person. 

[BallAquatics]

That's a great photo Pauline!  Is it any wonder we all love our fish...

Dennis

[PaulineMi]

What I'm really fascinated with is the way these fish learn to trust.  I'm used to fish that either hide, who could care less about my presence or my angels and various other cichlids who practically turn inside out with excitement when I approach their tanks. (I know it's actually it's because I'm the keeper of their food.)

I understand discus care requirements but don't know their "personalities". They started out VERY skittish with almost panic level behavior. Then we started the observation phase. I'd sit and watch them and they started watching me. Then they'd approach the front of the tank when I'd enter the room. There was still caution but it was progress. All the tiny steps forward were only noticeable when sitting and mutually observing each other.  A fish!  Who'da thunk.  Lol.  And the real treat was today all four of them finally ate.  No bloodworms either, which was all they would eat the first day here.

This picture captured what's been going on.

[b125killer]

That is a good picture. It always seems to amaze me how they do learn who you are. When Jon walks across the room the angels follow him It's so neat. I have a few angels that come up and let me pet them. The only fish that have trust issues with me are the St Isabel/Rio Negro. When I feed them they don't like to come up to eat and when they do they dart back behind the filter like I'm going to get them. If I stand back a few feet they hammer the food like there will be no more food for them. 

[PaulineMi]

Yes....I know whay you mean. I have some fish that require that distance factor for observational purposes. Lol.

[ilroost]

That is a great pict. Love it

[LizStreithorst]

Just wait until they start taking food from your fingers and letting you pet them.  You will be in heaven. 

Nice pattern on that PE.

[PaulineMi]

Thanks ilroost.

Liz..the little "blue rose jewel" (I keep forgetting its strain) grabbed food from my fingers today!  I didn't expect it at all. You're so right. I loved it.

All four of them are finally eating well now. Progress.