1. Reduced activity: During rest, fish generally display reduced locomotor activity and overall movement. They may remain still in the water, on the substrate, or within a sheltered area.
2. Eye Postitionchanges: Many fish species exhibit changes in eye position during rest. Some fish retract or cover their eyes with a protective membrane known as the nictitating membrane, or third eyelid. Others may partially close or roll their eyes backward.
3. Decreased opercular movements: Fish use opercula (gill covers) to move water over their gills for respiration. During rest, opercular movements may slow down or become less frequent, indicating reduced metabolic rate and breathing.
4. Color changes: Some fish displays color changes when resting. These changes can involve darkening or lightening of skin pigmentation or the appearance of specific patterns and markings associated with rest.
5. Altered positioning: Certain fish species may assume specific positions or postures during sleep or rest, such as lying flat on the substrate, resting head - down, or wedging themselves into crevices or vegetation.
6. reduced Responses: Fishes may exhibit decreased responsiveness to external stimuli during rest. They may not react as quickly or vigorously to touch, light, or other disturbances.
7. Reduced metabolic rate: Resting fish typically enter a state of reduced metabolism, conserving energy and minimizing oxygen consumption.
It's important to note that not all fish species exhibit all these characteristics during rest, and the specific patterns may vary depending on the species, environmental conditions, and other factors.