How often do I feed my goldfish?

Feed 2-3 times daily. It is important to avoid overfeeding goldfish as this can cause indigestion and/or contaminate the tank. In terms of the amount to feed, a good rule of thumb is to only feed an amount that the goldfish can consume in under two minutes or only feed as much as the size of the goldfish's eye.

Is it OK to feed goldfish once a day?

Until they are one year old, you should feed goldfish 2 or 3 times per day. Once they are older than one year, you should feed goldfish just once per day. There are, however, a number of factors that could lead you to adjust this schedule. Also, the type and amount of goldfish food you feed your goldfish is important.

How do I know if my goldfish is hungry?

How long can goldfish go without food?

Goldfish can go without food for 8 to 14 days. During this time, they scavenge their aquarium and feed off algae. In ponds, depending on the size and available algae (sometimes goldfish also eat plants, check out this list here) and insects, goldfish can go without feeding indefinitely.

Do goldfish recognize you?

Pet goldfish can distinguish between humans, and often recognise the human that regularly feeds them. Pet goldfish can also seem quite scared of new people, but become more comfortable with their owners over time as they realise they aren't a threat.

How Often Should You Feed Your Goldfish?

Do goldfish need darkness to sleep?

Goldfish don't naturally sleep at night, like people do. They do sleep better when it's dark and quiet, so many fish will sleep at night. If you make noise around a sleeping fish, it will startle awake. Thus, it's best to keep the noise level down when your fish wants to sleep.

What is better for goldfish pellets or flakes?

Pellets. Almost all goldfish diets will start with the pellet vs. flake debate. Very small fish will likely need to start with flakes, but as soon as your fish graduate to having a mouth that can handle a small pellet, it is better for their overall health.

How often do you change water for goldfish?

A goldfish bowl without a filter should be cleaned twice a week. With a filter you can clean it every 7-10 days. How do I clean my bowl? Remove 1/3 of the water and put it in a different container.

Are goldfish happier in pairs?

Goldfish (Carassius auratus) are social animals and when kept in groups can be seen regularly interacting with other goldfish. Keeping at least two goldfish in an aquarium is recommended to provide companionship and promote activity. Solitary fish can exhibit depression and lethargy.

How do I know if I'm feeding my fish enough?

Fish will eat as much as they need, so dispense the food in a few servings. When they start spitting out the food, they've eaten enough. If there is food remaining in the tank and floating to the bottom, you're giving your fish too much feed.

What is the best time to feed goldfish?

When planning how many times you should feed a goldfish, it's common to wonder if there are specific times of the day that work better than others. Fortunately, this isn't something you need to worry about. As long as you're feeding them 2-3 times during the day on a consistent basis they will be just fine.

How many flakes should I feed my goldfish?

Feed 2-3 times daily. It is important to avoid overfeeding goldfish as this can cause indigestion and/or contaminate the tank. In terms of the amount to feed, a good rule of thumb is to only feed an amount that the goldfish can consume in under two minutes or only feed as much as the size of the goldfish's eye.

Can 1 goldfish live alone?

To answer the question: Yes, goldfish can live alone. In fact, many goldfish can live long, healthy, happy lives all on their own. Just remember, though, not all goldfish will be happy on their own, and some would prefer the company of other tank mates.

What size tank do I need for 2 goldfish?

Based on the rules above, the goldfish tank size we recommend for two goldfish is: 42 gallons for two Common goldfish. That's 30 gallons for the first fish and 12 additional gallons for the second fish.

Can goldfish live in tap water?

Goldfish can only live in tap water when it has been properly treated to remove harmful chemicals. What is this? Tap water contains chemicals that will kill all of the 'good bacteria' in your tank. Good bacteria develops through a process called cycling, which we talk about in more detail here.

How do I keep my goldfish water clear?

Begin by scraping away excess algae from the tank sides with an algae scraper, and then vacuum up any waste or food scraps accumulating on the floor of the tank. Finally, siphon out 20 percent of the tank water and replace it with fresh water that has been treated to remove chemicals and chlorine.

Do goldfish need water conditioner?

A very small amount of chlorine helps disinfect the water, protecting people from waterborne diseases. However, this same amount of chlorine can burn a goldfish's gills. This means that tap water requires aquarium water conditioners before it is goldfish-safe.

Do goldfish need a filter?

Yes. Goldfish, as well as most fish, need a filter. It helps pump oxygen into the water and keeps the tank cleaner for longer.

Do goldfish like moving water?

Many goldfish seem to enjoy areas of faster moving water that they can play in. This is best coupled with calm areas with little to no current. Keep in mind that water movement is going to help reduce stagnation, increase filtration efficiency, and increase dissolved oxygen in the water.

What is goldfish favorite food?

As well as flakes and pellets designed specifically for them, goldfish will eat peas (with the shells removed), boiled vegetables, bloodworms and brine shrimp. The above foods make a great change to flakes and pellets. You can read about other treats for your goldfish here!

Do goldfish swim all the time?

First of all, it's normal to see your goldfish swim, play and explore during the day and sleep at night. Do fish sleep? Yes, but because they have no eyelids, they can't close their eyes like we do. The goldfish behavior can be influenced by the environment, tank mates and also by its owner.

Do goldfish like LED lights?

1. Type. Aquarium light types include fluorescent, LED, or UV lighting. All of these are suitable for use with goldfish and work well as a permanent lighting system.

How can you tell if goldfish are male or female?

The anal fin in males is closer to the tail compared to females. Male goldfish tend to have more flowing fins and tails compared to females. Male goldfish tend to have a slightly smaller and skinnier body compared to females. Females will have a larger and rounder body and their abdomen can appear soft.

Do goldfish talk to each other?

Goldfish Can Communicate via Tiny Current Ripples

Even when one isn't looking directly at another, it seems that a goldfish can detect that other goldfish's presence and follow its lead, demonstrating strong coordination.

What's the lifespan of a goldfish?

Goldfish have a lifespan averaging about 10-15 years, with some varieties living up to 30 years when provided with proper care. Unfortunately, many goldfish do not reach their lifespan potential due to inadequate housing conditions.