Are fish affected by the height of plants?

[CenturionElite]

My friend and I have been discussing this but we really cant find a legitimate answer, if there is one. I have two Red Lotus Java Ferns in my tank both of which bloom really high and require bi-weekly trims. I didnt trim them for a week (out of laziness) and noticed the fish actually like sitting under them at the top but my friend said the lack of sunlight could have some effect on them??

I dont really know, so much help is appreciated!

[Red]

the light of the tank is only for your and your plants, having it on and off does not affect your fish in any way.(if off) Some fish may like it in the shade though.

[Chrisinator]

It really depends on the fish you have. Most Catfish are noc-turnal or at least dont like extremely bright lights. Having different hiding places will let them have a choice. Lights don't really affect fish. They need some light so they can sorta see but we need them so we can see the fish. Nothing else really. But if you don't trim your plants, you're going to have some shades that will block other plants.

[Deleted User]

I'm thinking some fish would actually like the taller / more lush plant strategy for the sense of security it might add. I don't think the fish require lighting, though. That's pretty much for our benefit, and the plants', but I don't think it matters much to the fish.

[rich311k]

Many fish like shade or cover from plants. Let them grow high it makes the tank look fuller too.

[Ampatent]

The higher your plants go, the more cover is provided for your fish, and thus the higher up your fish will go. As long as you don't have any slow growing plants under the taller ones, you should be fine.

[Tetris]

The only real benefit that light gives fish is the ability to establish feeding and resting patterns.

In the wild plant cover offer fish protection from other animals like birds, fish, etc. Where there's plants, there's also often insects, or smaller fish, or bacteria growing around the plants, so often vegetation indicates a potential food supply in the area.

If your fish enjoy it, then I'd say let it grow!