sarah_v

I'm pretty big fish newbie, so these may sound like ridiculous questions.

The other day I was adjusting something in the tank. One of my mollies swims near the top a bit, and he came up and started sucking on one of my fingers. This made me question a few things. First, I was wondering if it is harmful to the fish if I put my hand in their tank (like to move something around/adjust something), and second, is it harmful for me or the fish if it sucks my finger?

I know these might seem like dumb questions, but I'm just curious.

CHoffman

I would think as long as your hands are clean and don't have any soaps or lotions or chemicals on them then it is fine. I wouldn't be sticking your hand in there all the time, It might stress the fish out but it seems like your Mollie doesn't mind at all.

Matt

My clownfish always nibble on my fingers but their teeth are so small it doesnt hurt
As CHoffman said aslong as there are no lotions/creams or soap on your hands then the fish will be fine although i would wash my hands after the fish has sucked on them. Not trying to be mean to the fish but last time i checked fish didnt have toothbrushes

HAY!!!! I just had an idea that will make me millions of dollars

I am going to make toothbrushes for fish

Lucy

The fish are probably just curious, I don't think it would be harmful unless as mentioned above you use hand lotion.

Those of us who have (or had ) bettas know what it's like to have a fish taste our finger. lol

nemo addict

It would be if it was a tuskfish ,,, , Be careful with sun lotions as the oil stays in your hands for some time and can be harmful to fish

sirdarksol

It's always a good idea to be wearing gloves. The oils on your skin, residue from soap (which clings long after rinsing), essential oils that are used to scent everything, lotion, etc... can all be potentially harmful to fish. Likewise, there are aquatic bacteria and algae that fish can easily tolerate that may become an inconvenience to a person. I know of at least one person who broke out in a rash when they stuck their entire arm into their tank. I've learned that I'm allergic to water wysteria, and my hand goes numb and tingly if I touch it.

That being said, except for when I'm reaching into the betta tank (which has the water wysteria) and sometimes not even then, I don't wear gloves. I know it's a risk, but it's a fairly small one. I keep meaning to get the long, reusable gloves from DFS, but I keep forgetting.

isis

Matt.. good luck with that toothbrush idea LOL!

J J Indy

I have never been concerned with putting my hands in my tanks every time i have to do a water change my hands are in there but i make sure my hands are clean (no soap or lotions) some of my fish will come up to my hands when i am cleaning the tank and one even likes to rub up against my hand like petting him. I think its cool.

CHoffman

I wish my fish did that..They just zoom past my hand like it's just a road block..lol

Matt

LOL CHoff. When they feel comfortable with your hand then they will swim up to it

Isis: LOL. It will be hard making the toothbrush holdable by a fin

belleekgirl

My 40 Gal is 24" deep, so there are times when I am cleaning that I put my hands in. The guppies love to "pinch", but no harm to anyone. My fish mostly don't mind, just my Corycats do (they hide). My betta just looks miffed if I put my hand in for some reason- mostly because it messes up his bubble nest.

Wash afterwords, because things that are good for fish are not good for us. :P

The one time you should never handle the water your fish are in is if you are pregnant. Just FYI

I like the toothbrush idea. Would love to see my Bo Handsome with one... HE HE Maybe put it on a suction cup so the fish could smile and rub on it.... hm..... Belly scratches....

isis

The one time you should never handle the water your fish are in is if you are pregnant. Just FYI

Now that I did not know... why if I may ask?

soldieroffortune1974

Infants, young children, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems, and the infirm or elderly are at greater risk of infections and should use caution due to the bacteria levels.

I have never heard of anyoe becomng ill from an aquarium,but I guess the possibility exists.

sirdarksol

The number one issue (beyond simple rashes) would be water-born parasites transferred to food if you didn't wash your hands after mucking around in the tank. There are a few nasty parasites that live pretty symbiotically with fish, but can easily overwhelm our systems. They won't kill you, but they can make your life unpleasant for awhile.
I've never heard of this happening with an aquarium (I think most people have an instinctive need to at least rinse their hands after sticking them in the aquarium), but, as you say, the possibility exists.

Emory

I want a pair of those gloves, too! I end up getting the hem of my shirt wet and that wicks up to my armpit. Wet armpits are not comfortable.

My molly nibbles on me. All of my other fish dart to the opposite end of the tank.