Touch vs. No Touch (a different angle)

[del_mo]

You might have to log on to see this video, but it would be interesting to know your opinions on whether this is over the line or not.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVVGtNJhH-0

 

[SparticleBrane]

Probably over the line. Wouldn't that tend to wipe off the natural coat the slime on the fish?

 

[jeraldjcook]

I say it's fine, but just barely. She touched the grouper, then it swam right under her calmly. She only used one hand and it seemed to be light contact. She was in no way harassing the fish. I'm not saying I would have done it, but I've seen people (mostly DMs because apparently they think we want a photo of them harrassing octos) do worse. But, if like SparticleBrane said, it could affect their slime coating (I forgot about this, it's been a while since I've had an aquarium) I might change my vote.

 

[REII]

I think its ok. A gentle touch without trying to control the fish should not harm or scare the fish. Anything beyond that would be over the line.

TOM

 

[fairybasslet]

It looked like the fish didn't like its dorsal fin touched, and also, it seems at one point that she was scratching it like you would a dog. That's when it left. Before that, it seemed to kind of like it. But who knows for sure? Maybe it was just tolerating it thinking it was going to get a handout.

 

[HowardE]

I think the video is fine... The fish didn't swim away quickly... it looked more like the fish liked it.

Also... If that grouper were encountered in un-protected waters... it would probably be dinner :laughing:

 

[REII]

Maybe it was just tolerating it thinking it was going to get a handout.

Good point. They do that in the Florida Keys in Penneycamp park. I always wondered if someone would take advantage of this and try to take the groupers by net since you cannot spearfish in the state parks.

TOM

 

[Doc]

Divers with gloves.

Look at her right hand. Then Left. Oh? Nothing alive there? How 'bout the knees?

Gimmee a break.

Divers who wear gloves grab onto everything.

Very very few exceptions.

Lose the gloves, become a better diver with buoyancy control. She's negative.

I did thirty five dives last week in the Philippines with two buddies in bathing suits- no full suits, certainly no gloves.

Several critters caressed our hands- on their own. My "sacrificial" finger (the one I push off of "dead spots" when I'm in a "situation") ? The numbness and tingling is subsiding.

If you're going to touch, do it bare handed and on the critter's terms. If your hand tingles, buy a clue. Don't do that.

Much better result: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9Ni0rXIXSs

 

[HowardE]

Divers with gloves.

I thought divers with gloves meant cold hands.

I wear gloves. I don't grab onto everything.

 

[Doc]

I thought divers with gloves meant cold hands.

I wear gloves. I don't grab onto everything.

everything.

Oh, okay.