What happens when goldfish are left in the dark?

If you keep your fish in the dark all the time, the chromatophores won't produce more pigment, so the fish's color will start to fade as the chromatophores that already have color naturally die, while the new cells aren't stimulated to produce pigment.
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Can my goldfish see in the dark?

No, goldfish are not able to see in the dark. During daytime, goldfish roam the waters with great eyesight. During the night, they rely on their excellent sense of smell. They also utilize their Lateral Line Organ (LLO) which accurately senses vibrations and water movement.
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Do goldfish need dark at night?

All fish should have an established day and night cycle. Fish do not have eyelids and rely on total darkness to rest. Without at least 8 hours of darkness, your goldfish can become sleep-deprived. This means you should turn off all lights before you go to bed to ensure your goldfish can rest peacefully.
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Do goldfish lose their color in the dark?

Goldfish will lose their color and turn white if they are kept in the dark and not exposed to any sunlight. Goldfish actually see more colors than humans. A goldfish will eat any fish that fits in its mouth.
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Can you leave fish in a dark room?

It's best to not keep your aquarium fish in the dark all the time. They need cycles of light to determine whether it's day and night. This also means that you can't keep your aquarium fish in the light all day.
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Do Goldfish See In The Dark? | Do Goldfish Need Light At Night? | Can Goldfish Live In The Dark?



Are fish Afraid of the dark?

Fish don't like the dark because when there is no light to see, they dart around the tank, colliding with the walls, ornaments and can even become tangled in the plants. Fish need light to determine whether it is night or day, and they're scared of the sudden switch from darkness to light.
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Do goldfish need light to live?

Yes, goldfish need light and they also need nightly periods of darkness. What is this? Using lights to illuminate your tank and simulate a day / night cycle is beneficial to your goldfish, the overall health of your tank and is an important aspect of successful goldfish care.
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Does a goldfish sleep?

Unlike people, goldfish do not lie down when they sleep. Rather, they become less active, staying in one place and moving slowly to keep themselves stable. They look like they are hovering in the tank or pond, usually low in the water, an inch or so off the bottom, with their heads pointed slightly downward.
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Why did my goldfish turn black?

Ammonia changes are, by far, the most common reason why goldfish turn black. Generally, the color change starts on the fins. Over time, it can get progressively worse and spread to the body. There, it'll appear as small batches of black skin that look burnt.
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Do goldfish turn black when sad?

Stressed Out Fish

If you notice your goldfish is developing black patches, it's a good idea to check out your water parameters and tank environment. Not all goldfish will develop black patches due to genetics, and a high-stress tank environment can lead to black spots developing.
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How do you know if goldfish is happy?

Your fish are happy and healthy when they:
  1. Swim actively throughout the entire tank, not just hanging out or laying at the bottom, floating near the top or hiding behind plants and ornaments.
  2. Eat regularly and swim to the surface quickly at feeding time.
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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.
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What do fish do when sleeping?

How do fish know when it's bedtime? It's pretty easy to tell when fish are sleeping: they lie motionless, often at the bottom or near the surface of the water. They are slow to respond to things going on around them, or may not respond at all (see some sleeping catfish here).
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Can fish go blind in dark?

"Use it or lose it" might seem a fitting phrase for cave animals, who often lose their eyesight after many generations in perpetual darkness. But new research suggests that for some cave-dwelling fishes, blindness results from the careful coordination of gene expression, not simply from lack of use.
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Can goldfish hear?

Goldfish have two ways of hearing sound: The inner ear and the lateral line. What is this? The inner ear is located inside the fish's head. It consists of small bones that move in response to vibrations that pass through the water and through the fish's body.
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Do fishes sleep?

While fish do not sleep in the same way that land mammals sleep, most fish do rest. Research shows that fish may reduce their activity and metabolism while remaining alert to danger. Some fish float in place, some wedge themselves into a secure spot in the mud or coral, and some even locate a suitable nest.
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How do goldfish act when they are dying?

Identify symptoms of a dying goldfish.

The best time to check for signs of disease or death is before feeding. Breathing disorders: look for symptoms such as gasping for air, rapid breathing, skimming the surface of the tank water, or lying at the bottom of the tank, which may indicate disease or poor quality water.
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How long does a goldfish live?

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.
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Why goldfish turn upside down?

A upside-down swimming is a common problem in goldfish and the cause is a disorder of the swim bladder. This specialised organ enables a fish to modify its buoyancy so it can dive or surface according to its needs. Fat-bodied goldfish are at risk because their swim bladder can become compressed.
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Do goldfish get lonely?

Goldfish are just not the same as humans – they're not social animals in the same way that we are, and they don't have the same capacity to get bored or long for companionship. In fact, many of the longest living goldfish have been kept alone, with no obvious harm to their well being.
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Are goldfish more active at night?

Goldfish are not specifically diurnal or active during the daytime, but they are much better adapted for daytime hunting and exploring than they are for nocturnal activities. So it's natural for your pet to sleep more when the lights are off than when they're on.
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Do goldfish get bored?

Just like any other pet, fish can become bored, too. And while they won't chew up your shoes, keeping them occupied will ensure they live a healthier life.
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Should I turn my goldfish light off at night?

Aquarium fish do not need light and it is best that you turn it off during the night. Leaving the light on can cause stress to fish as they need a period of darkness to sleep. Too much light will cause algae to rapidly grow and make your tank look dirty. So the short answer is no, do not leave your lights on.
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Do goldfish eat at night?

But like us, goldfish require light too to maintain their natural cycle. In their natural habitat, Goldfish stay active during the day, eat food and at night they sleep.
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Why do my goldfish turn white?

Did you know that goldfish have pigment in their skin? This pigment can react to UV light in some fish. So, your goldfish could turn white due to both a lack of sunlight or too much sunlight. In the case of too much light, fish usually respond to the dramatic change.
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