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Photographing fish by picking them up


jestep

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This is something that has bothered me for a long time. Why do certain breeders and vendors have the incessant need to hold their fish when taking a picture of them. Discus and high-end marine fish seem to be the main victims of this. I know from experience that well cared for fish can be nearly hand tame, and it's probably a good size indicator, but at the same time I can guarantee it's not in the best interest of the fish to be picking them up just to take a picture.

A few examples:

http://reefbuilders.com/2012/04/17/bodianus-opercularis/

http://reefbuilders.com/2009/03/26/jumbo-gem-tang-splayed-pix/

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/book_review_Blehers_Discus_V1.php

I could probably go on forever here...

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I agree it's strange. It would be like putting a horse underwater to show it swim. It's un natural. I feel like they are hiding something. Fish are more colorful out of water and signs of sickness are harder to spot. I like a video of the fish swimming and eating. That's how I am convinced of a fishes health.

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That opercularis looked especially happy to be out of water. I'm sure it does have something to do with the radiance of the colors out of water. Either that or it's a fisherman trait that got carried over to the aquarium hobby. Something akin to holding up your 30lb bass you just caught (that example can tell you I know nothing of fishing).

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