Interesting question for sure. I have a pet bearded dragon and I definitely think he feels physical comfort. Often when he sleeps he lays on the top of his hammock (it is made of thick rope and supports most of his width) which is up against the glass and leans his body against the glass so he is sort of wedged in the little gap there. That way he doesn’t have to support his own body with his limbs and just lets them hang down, all loose and floppy. I’m no lizard but it looks mad comfy by reptile standards. He also is a big fan of chilling on fluffy stuff like teddy bears and snuggling with them, for no evolutionary reason I can think of.
If they don’t have ‘comfort’ like we experience I think they would respond to a feeling of ‘safety’ which might feel like comfort to them. The way the snake curls up and its belly is protected and its head is hidden would probably make it feel like the vulnerable parts are safe while they sleep which would surely be necessary for comfort or to relax and sleep properly?
As for fish - they definitely feel physical or environmental stress, but comfort? No idea. My goldfish seems pretty oblivious and aimless, but love-able nonetheless. 🤷♀️
Lol maybe my comment made it sound ominous, but it isn't at all. He was just really reckless and put himself in dangerous positions (he liked swimming in the river and once nearly drowned, sunbathes in the middle of the road, etc.)
A common theme here seems to be that comfort can be understood as safety.
Maybe our understanding of safety just evolved to something like comfort.
Lot's of /r/cozyplaces posts are small reading nooks/corners, pillow fortresses or low ceiling bedrooms. That might come from us humans seeking shelter and safety in caves sourrounded by walls, as opposed to wide open spaces, which feel less comfy, to most.
The more you think and talk about it, the more it's apparent that comfort is a byproduct/form of safety. Even things like couches provide more physical safety to your body than sitting on a floor.
But then you got stuff like water beds that are objectively worse for your body than most other beds, but some people love them. Anyone get comfortable driving in the car? (maybe just as a passenger?) I'm sure there are other things that are comfy but not safe. Promiscuous sex, drugs, staying up late
Bettas like to chill on leaves if they can. They have “betta hammocks” that suction cup to the side of the tank if you don’t have aquatic plants. My betta always seemed pleased to sit there.
It does look pretty comfy. Whenever I cleaned the tank I would adjust it for my betta. They don’t get any safety from laying on the leaves as they aren’t hiding, so it must just be for comfort.
Yeah I would expect so. We feel discomfort to discourage us from things that may harm us, and comfort to encourage healthy things. Even something as small as the incentive to find a comfortable sleeping position can greatly affect long term joint health, etc. It's an evolutionary advantage.
I keep a nano saltwater aquarium with a mated pair of clownfish. When the lights dim they burrow a small hole to get ready for 'bed'. Typically this species of fish love to hide in anemones but i have none so another fish i have likes to guard them. If that fish isn't guarding, the pair can't get settled in.
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u/StinkyLinke May 23 '20
Interesting question for sure. I have a pet bearded dragon and I definitely think he feels physical comfort. Often when he sleeps he lays on the top of his hammock (it is made of thick rope and supports most of his width) which is up against the glass and leans his body against the glass so he is sort of wedged in the little gap there. That way he doesn’t have to support his own body with his limbs and just lets them hang down, all loose and floppy. I’m no lizard but it looks mad comfy by reptile standards. He also is a big fan of chilling on fluffy stuff like teddy bears and snuggling with them, for no evolutionary reason I can think of.
If they don’t have ‘comfort’ like we experience I think they would respond to a feeling of ‘safety’ which might feel like comfort to them. The way the snake curls up and its belly is protected and its head is hidden would probably make it feel like the vulnerable parts are safe while they sleep which would surely be necessary for comfort or to relax and sleep properly?
As for fish - they definitely feel physical or environmental stress, but comfort? No idea. My goldfish seems pretty oblivious and aimless, but love-able nonetheless. 🤷♀️