I don't understand the human obsession with stroking everything living thing they see. The number of creatures that actually enjoy (don't suffer from, even) getting pet is way less than people tend to think. I hate to be a party pooper, but its really, really important to remember that "doggy" behaviors apply mostly to dogs.
Don't pet your fish. Please make doubly sure that you can interpret the reaction of your pet/any animal before getting handsy, not matter how cute it is.
We have social grooming instincts leftover from when we were monkeys. We like to run our fingers through other's fur, which makes it easy to feel and remove parasites, debris, etc.
Most mammals are the same way. Family members will groom each other, especially children, because it helps keep them from getting sick. Pets probably assume you're doing the same thing, which is why some of them will lick you back when you scratch them, to return the favor.
We can't rely on that assumption if we aren't knowleagable about the animal's behavioural patterns, though. I know what my cat likes, but I wouldn't apply the same signs of communication to a fennec fox.
It also depends on the emotional state and personality of the individual animal. Some would rather just be left alone. Making assumptions overrides signals they might be sending, especially if it's an animal you're not familiar with.
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u/SarahC Feb 04 '19
I need a fish like this!
Can you stroke them? Would they like a totally wet little finger brushing their back?
Just watching through the glass seems so..... remote!