about flying fish

[sunset4]

I've had fish tanks for nearly 16 years now, and I've never had a fish jump out - that's a pretty good track record if I do say so myself. But, after my divorce, my reef tank ended up at my parents' place while I get settled into my new home. And let me tell you, my dad's had a bit of a fish-jumping epidemic on his hands. Three fish have made a break for it - a clown, a coflake beauty, and a yellow wrasse. I can kinda understand the wrasse, they're notorious for being a bit skittish, but the other two? No idea. I'm heading over tomorrow to pick up some egg-crate to cover the tank and prevent any more Houdini acts. Can anyone think of anything that might trigger a fish to jump?

[fleeton]

They get spooked, they jump. Changing environments can really stress them out, and I'm guessing that's what's going on here. When they're feeling calm, they're less likely to make the leap, but when they're stressed, it's a different story.

[wolfsong]

Another possible reason for them to jump is skin irritation - if they're feeling uncomfortable or itchy, they might try to escape it by leaping out. I think it's worth testing the tank's parameters and checking for any signs of skin flukes or other ectoparasites that could be causing them distress.

[fluffnut]

I've also heard that poor water quality could be a reason - they might jump to escape it.

[flame9]

My big banana wrasse jumped out too - I'm starting to think it's a wrasse thing.