Why do goldfish pick up rocks and spit them out?

All You Can Eat
Part of this ongoing buffet is the tempting bits of algae and microscopic organisms that live on gravel. Because their fins aren't exactly equipped to pick off these tasty morsels, goldfish will pick up a pebble, scrape off as much algae from the gravel as they can, then spit the gravel piece back out.
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Why do goldfish eat and spit it out?

Distress From Stress

Changes in eating habits generally accompany a bout with stress. According to AquariumFish, if your goldfish is taking food into his mouth and then immediately spitting it out, he's possibly under stress related to unfavorable water conditions.
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Why do goldfish dig in the rocks?

Fish will dig in rocks or other substrate to make a nest for spawning, or dig a burrow for hiding.
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What to do if your fish swallows a rock?

If a piece of gravel was swallowed, it would need to be small enough to pass through the intestines without causing a blockage, otherwise the fish would quickly become distressed and would require surgery to remove it. The other danger with gravel is the one you mentioned, that of getting gravel wedged in the mouth.
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Why do fish eat gravel then spit it out?

All You Can Eat

Part of this ongoing buffet is the tempting bits of algae and microscopic organisms that live on gravel. Because their fins aren't exactly equipped to pick off these tasty morsels, goldfish will pick up a pebble, scrape off as much algae from the gravel as they can, then spit the gravel piece back out.
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Goldfish Behavior | What Do These Goldfish Behaviors Mean?



How often should you feed 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.
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How do you know if goldfish are 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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How do you tell if a goldfish is stressed?

Strange Swimming: When fish are stressed, they often develop odd swimming patterns. If your fish is swimming frantically without going anywhere, crashing at the bottom of his tank, rubbing himself on gravel or rocks, or locking his fins at his side, he may be experiencing significant stress.
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How do you know goldfish is hungry?

How To Tell If Your Fish Is Hungry
  1. Your fish is digging around the substrate (searching for food).
  2. Waiting and the top of the aquarium (for feeding time).
  3. Behavior changes (aggression).
  4. Noticeable weight/size changes.
  5. Slow or sluggish behavior.
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What is the best food for goldfish?

10 Best Goldfish Foods You Need to Try
  • Frozen Fish Food. ...
  • Hikari Cichlid Excel. ...
  • Repashy Super Gold Gel Food. ...
  • Xtreme Pellets. ...
  • Hikari Gold. ...
  • Xtreme Spirulina Flake. ...
  • Hikari Blood Red Parrot+ ...
  • Leftover Plants and Algae. As you probably know, goldfish are more than happy to eat most aquarium plants if given the chance.
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Do goldfish play?

Playful. Goldfish are social animals and often do best when housed with a companion. Like any other species they interact with each other in a variety of ways. Chasing each other can simply be their way of playing when bored.
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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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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.
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Do goldfish recognize owners?

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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How do I know if my fish is happy?

Generally speaking, following are some of the ways you can tell if your fish are happy.
  1. They swim back and forth freely and energetically around the tank.
  2. Quite like humans, happy fish might have a vibrant glow to their skin. ...
  3. They do not appear fearful of the other fish in the tank. ...
  4. They are breathing normally.
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What are some signs of ammonia stress in a tank?

The signs of ammonia stress are usually pretty easy to detect, especially if you are paying attention to your fish regularly.
  • Lethargy.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Hovering at the bottom of the tank (especially for surface dwelling fish)
  • Gasping at the surface.
  • Inflamed gills.
  • Red streaks or inflammation in the fins.
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Why is my fish glass surfing?

“Glass surfing” is when a fish – such as betta fish, gouramis, and cichlids – repeatedly swims up and down along the tank walls. It could be caused by stress, boredom, defense of territory, and other reasons.
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Do goldfish like things in their tank?

Goldfish like plants, variety in their food, a large, clean tank with a stress-free environment, lots of oxygen in their tank, nice cold soft water, other Goldfish as mates and some decorations in their tank.
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Do goldfish hear you talking to them?

Goldfish use body language to communicate. Talking is usually a mammal term using a voice box. Goldfish do not have a voice box and cannot hear verbal communication. but rather use their eyes and sensory organs to interpret what the other fish is conveying.
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Do goldfish get excited to see you?

Goldfish are certainly smarter than you think. Some have been observed to perceive and remember well enough to distinguish between people. They often notice the person who feeds them each day, and will get excited when they see them.
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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.
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Do goldfish like light?

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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Is it normal for fish to spit out their food?

Fish only require a very small amount of food, so try feeding them a little less. Some fish also spit their food out if the particles are too big, breaking them down into smaller more manageable sizes. Also, some fish like to taste their food before eating it - Bettas and Siamese Fighters are well known for this!
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What is the life expectancy 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. Housing needs to meet both their behavioural and physiological needs.
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