Re: [fish-school] can you train red platys?

[Dean Pomerleau]

Welcome wiza. Good questions! 

> 1. I am completely new to training animals of any kind, do I need any previous experience?

You don't need any previous experience. The kit comes with a very detailed manual (with lots of pictures) as well as in instructional DVD. 

> 2. I have four red platys, and I wondered if they are possible to train with the kit. Is there any way that I 

> could do a test to see if they are trainable?

I don't have any experience training platys, but I strongly suspect they should be trainable. If Bettas can be trained (which they can), I can't see why platys wouldn't be as good pupils!

As for tests - there are a couple general rules of thumb. Do they swim to the surface at feeding time when you open the cover or walk over to the tank, even before you put the food in?  If so, they are already conditioned to respond to cues preceding food reward, so they'll likely be quick learners.

> 3. Also, is it possible to train all four fish together, or would I need to buy a smaller seperate tank for 

> training?

I think you'll run into trouble training four in the tank together. It will be too hard to target the reward to the fish that deserves it. A separate tank is advisable.

--Dean

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Dr. Dean Pomerleau

Founder & Chief Fish Trainer

Fish School, Inc.