Are fathead minnows scared of lighting in tanks?

Question

i have four fat head minnows in a fairly small tank, but its big enough for them to swim around in. it was getting dark and i couldn't see them very well so i put the light that came with my tank on top of the tank and when i turned it on they freaked out and started spazzing out so i quickly turned it off. after i turned it off i got worried i had put them into shock because they werent really moving. there fine now and swimming arounf but i really want to use the light so i can see them better. is the light dangerous to have or is it just something they need to get used to?

Answer 1

...maybe they thought you were from B.A.S.S. or perhaps a cat with a headlight (lol)

...every fish reacts to light in water (and rumors abound among them....lore among the fish, about survival is strong)

....some are always very photo-sensitive, for example, like plecos

...after some months the aquairum fish will acclimate to lighting changes that occur routinely...in fact my tetras have come to expect the light to come on at specific times...they are all at the front and center waiting for me

....the minnows, are light sensitive fish with high metabolisms, short life spans (2 years) and are quick swimmers, particularly the ones raised in the wild (survival skills)

....the rosy-reds and ornage / white minnows are easy to keep in a home aquarium, just like goldfish

....they are the same family as goldfish, stay ~2" max, and are colorful, less expensive etc, etc.