How to Calm Down a Stressed Fish It can be difficult to notice when our pets are in distress, especially because they can’t tell us exactly what’s wrong. For aquatic life, this can be even more challenging, as can knowing what to do once a problem has been recognized. The truth is, even small, subtle changes in fish behavior or appearance can indicate stress. It’s important to know how fish become stressed and how to react quickly when it happens. Why fish get stressed Anyone who has fish knows that they are complicated creatures. Like humans, they get stressed but in ways you might not have considered. Some of the most common fish stressors include: Poor water quality or incorrect water temperature: Besides the actual water that you put into your aquarium, water quality is impacted by a number of other factors, including the filter system (and whether it’s working properly), the accessories and décor in the habitat (gravel, aquatic plants and other objects...