Do fish like being pet?
Balcombe notes that touch is a powerful de-stressor for animals -- and fishes are no exception to this phenomenon. Other examples include groupers, who are well-known for approaching a trusted human to be stroked and cleaner-fish, who gently stroke their client fish with their fins. Do fish like their owners? Many Fish Don't Recognize Their OwnersLarge predators like Datnoids and fish that live in complex social hierarchies like Cichlids tend to be the smartest aquarium fish around.