Goldfish are peaceful and active swimmers that swims all around in the tank. However, when it comes to feeding behavior, then every aquarist wants to know whether goldfish eat from the bottom of the tank? So, are your goldfish bottom feeders? Let us find out.
Goldfish are naturally bottom feeders that prefer to feed on the tank’s bottom. However, goldfish can eat their meal from anywhere in the tank despite being bottom feeders. Avoid providing floating foods regularly to your fish as it can make them gulp excessive air, leading to belly enlargement.
We will discuss whether goldfish stay at the bottom of the tank and some best food options for your goldfish in the below article.
Contents
Will goldfish eat from the bottom of the tank?
Goldfish are naturally bottom feeders that will eat from the bottom of your tank.
Despite being bottom feeders, your goldfish is also active species that will eat the food from the surface.
Goldfish are ravenous eaters that will feed on food from everywhere in the tank.
If you regularly provide floating food to your goldfish, they will come to the tank’s surface to consume their meal. Your goldfish has a great sense of smell that helps detect the tank’s food even in the dark.
However, it will be advisable to provide sinking foods to your goldfish as goldfish are physostomous fish with a duct between their esophagus and swim bladder.
Providing floating foods regularly can make your goldfish gulp excessive air, eventually leading to several health issues like extended belly.
Also read: Why Is My Goldfish At The Bottom Of The Tank?
Do goldfish stay at the bottom of the tank?
Goldfish are bottom dwellers who prefer to rest, eat, and hide from the predator’s sight by hiding at the tank’s bottom.
However, goldfish are also active swimmers. Therefore, if you discover your goldfish laying in the tank’s bottom for an extended period, it indicates unfavorable tank conditions.
Here are some reasons behind your goldfish laying at the tank’s bottom
- Your goldfish is suffering from stress.
- Your female goldfish is about to lay eggs.
- Your goldfish is hiding from the aggressive tankmates.
- Your goldfish might be suffering from diseases like swim bladder disorder.
- Your goldfish has become inactive due to poor water conditions, unstable water parameters, and stress.
The above reasons can make your goldfish lay at the tank’s bottom.
It will be advisable to provide a stress-free environment and adequate parameters to your goldfish to prevent such issues.Â
Also read: What To Do If My Goldfish Is Stressed?
Will goldfish eat from the surface of the tank?
Goldfish are ravenous eaters and will eat food from all over the tank.
Goldfish have a great sense of smell that helps them sense the food even in the dark.
However, we advise you to provide sinking foods to your goldfish than floating foods to prevent several health issues for your fish.
Providing floating foods regularly to your goldfish can make your fish gulp excessive air, eventually leading to extended belly and other significant health issues for your goldfish.
Best food for goldfish
| Goldfish Diet | Serving Quantity | No. of times |
|---|---|---|
| Veggie Pellets | One small pinch at a time | 2-3 times a day |
| Zucchini (Blanched) | One small slice | 2-3 times a week |
| Tubifex Worms | One small pinch at a time | 1 time a week |
| Boiled Peas | Half a pea | 2-3 times a week |
| Mosquito Larvae | 10-15 pieces | 2-3 times a week |
| Brine Shrimp | One small pinch at a time | 1-2 times a week |
Goldfish are omnivores species that require a mix of all the essential nutrients for their proper growth and development.
Goldfish do not have a stomach to digest their food, so they digest it through their intestines. So, providing only red meat like bloodworms can lead to digestive issues in your fish.
You should also provide good quality pellets, blanched zucchini, and boiled peas to your goldfish for their development.
Ensure providing food in moderate quantities that your goldfish can consume in under two minutes to avoid overfeeding.
Also read: What Do Goldfish Eat?
Conclusion:
- Goldfish are naturally bottom feeders that prefer to feed on your tank’s bottom.
- Goldfish are bottom dwellers that like to eat, rest and hide from their aggressive tankmates by hiding at the tank’s bottom.
- You should not regularly provide floating foods to your goldfish to prevent several health issues like extended belly in your fish.
- Goldfish are ravenous eaters that will eat food from anywhere in the tank.
- You should provide a diet mix of all the necessary nutrients for the well-being of your fish.
Reference: ResearchGate