Leo was usually outgoing and always happy to see me, he would always allow me to pet him during hand feedings. Ever since he jumped out of the aquarium he's changed, he's very withdrawn, he'll still hand feed, but never allow himself to be touched. I understand he has gone through a traumatic experience, yet I would believe by now he would have recovered. I understand the psychology of animals and learned behaviors, however this only occurred once. It should not have caused this learned behavior after only one experience. There are no other outside tormentors, and Leo's water is in pristine condition with no changes to decor or location. His environment has stayed stable and consistent. Deductive reasoning has eliminated all my theories. Anyone else have any ideas or hypothesis to offer? Your help would be appreciated. My greatest concern is that his shyness has become irreversible and because of one mistake Leo's personality has been forever altered.

since he/she recovering from that traumatic jumping, i wouldn't worry much
about the behavioral thing. you should be focus for the feeding regiment
until such time he/she is fully recover. in due time, he/she will be back
to his/her oldself.

if you knew he/she is fully healed, you can start starving him/her for a while
so that she/he will appreciate your presence when feed.

I know what you are saying Paul, it's just been almost 6 weeks. He also hides a lot more.

Codeman_T USMC wrote:

i suggest you trick her/him. whenever you come near the tank, stir the bottom with
your bare hand, pushing her/him slightly. he/she will get used to it and in no time
he/she will react with your presence. for a traumatic injury, it will take time to
fully heal.

the first time i netted Survivor, he did stay away for a while...but with constant
netting, he is now very active and wiggle the tail whenever he see me.

I hope he gets over this issue, but coming from a psychological viewpoint... Maybe your fish views you as connected to the environment he fell into and is still not comfortable getting to close to your hand???? Since there is so much disagreement on Oscar intelligence who knows if they can associate like that or not but thats one theory.

give him time and he will come round

Thanks for your replies and advice, I'll see if he comes around. Today was a better day for him.

Hey Codeman...sorry this is off topic but saw in your profile you are in Sunbury, PA...is that anywhere near Paxinos, PA??? Just curious because my wife's Dad and step-mom live there.

Hope Leo is doing a little better today and starts feeling a little more comfortable!