Fishes express themselves by showing behavior like sitting at the bottom of the tank. So why is my goldfish at the bottom of the tank? Is it normal for my goldfish to sit at the bottom of the tank? Let us discuss this below:
In general, goldfish is at the bottom of the tank due to a spike in ammonia levels. However, there can be many other reasons, like incorrect water temperature, overcrowded tank, or swim bladder disorder in your goldfish. Consider maintaining adequate water parameters to prevent such issues.
Let us dive into the article to know more about the reasons behind your goldfish sitting at the bottom of the tank. In addition to this, we will also discuss the goldfish water requirements.
Contents
Why is my goldfish sitting at the bottom of the tank?
There can be several reasons behind your goldfish sitting at the bottom of the tank, like stress in your goldfish. Let us learn about all the possible reasons behind your goldfish laying at the bottom of the tank below:
Stress
Stress can significantly affect your goldfish laying at the bottom of the tank. Poor water quality is one of the common reasons that lead to stress in your goldfish.Â
Overcrowded Tank
Overpopulated tank also plays a significant role in your goldfish laying at the tank’s bottom. We want you to know that per the expert’s recommendation, there must be one inch of fish per gallon of water.
An overcrowded tank provides little space for your goldfish to swim freely and further, leading to stress in your goldfish.
Bored
Your goldfish can get bored and sit at the bottom of the tank if it doesn’t fit in the artificial environment. It would be advisable to add some plants and new tankmates for your goldfish to avoid getting bored.
Sleeping
Your goldfish might be sleeping at the bottom of the tank. We want you to know that there is nothing to worry about if you discover your goldfish sleeping at the bottom of your tank.
You can move something near and wake up your goldfish to ensure that your goldfish is fine.
These were some possible reasons behind your goldfish laying at the bottom of the tank.
What are goldfish water requirements?
| Types Of Goldfish | Water Temperature ( In Fahrenheit) | Water Temperature ( In Fahrenheit) |
|---|---|---|
| Comet Goldfish | 60-70°F | 15.56-21.11°C |
| Fantail Goldfish | 68-74°F | 18-22°C |
| Sarasa Goldfish | 36-90°F | 2.2-32°C |
| Shubunkin Goldfish | 60-70°F | 15.56-21.11°C |
| Common Goldfish | 68-74°F | 20-23.3°C |
Also read: What Is The Ideal Water Temperature For Goldfish?
Why is my goldfish gulping air at the bottom of the tank?
There can be several reasons behind your goldfish gulping air at the bottom of the tank, like lack of oxygen. Let us discuss all the possible reasons behind your goldfish gulping air at the bottom of the tank below:
Lack of Oxygen
Inadequate amount of oxygen is the most common reason behind your goldfish gulping air at the surface of the tank.
We would want you to know that goldfish require oxygen for their survival, and lack of oxygen can lead to significant health issues in your goldfish.
Therefore, it will be advisable to provide a well-oxygenated tank to your goldfish so that they can stay healthy and active.
Also read: Can Your Goldfish Live Without Oxygen?
Poor Quality Water
Poor water quality is also one of the common reasons behind your goldfish gulping air at the bottom of the tank.
We would want you to know that poor quality can lead to a drop in the oxygen level that can cause significant damage to your goldfish.
Therefore, it would always be advisable to maintain good quality water in your goldfish tank so that they can stay healthy and active.
Also read: Can Goldfish Survive In Dirty Water?
Incorrect Water Temperature:
Too hot or cold water in your goldfish tank can make your goldfish gasp for air at the top of the tank. We want you to know that warm water cannot hold as much oxygen as your goldfish tank requires.
Whereas too cold water can also make your goldfish begin hibernating and stop eating, which may further lead to the passing away of your fish.
These were some possible reasons behind your goldfish gasping air at the tank’s surface.
Why is my goldfish staying still at the bottom of the tank?
There can be many reasons behind your goldfish staying still at the bottom of the tank.
Swim Bladder disorder
Your goldfish might be suffering from swim bladder disorder as it makes it difficult for your goldfish to swim appropriately.
In such a case, you must consult a marine vet as soon as possible, as ignorance in such matters can cause significant damage to your goldfish.
Also read: Why Can’t My Goldfish Swim?
Passed Away
Your goldfish will sink to the bottom of the tank when passed away. If you discover your goldfish not showing any movements, then your goldfish may have passed away.
In such a case, it will be advisable to immediately place your goldfish outside the tank to minimize the chances of other tankmates falling sick.
They are sick
Your goldfish might not be well, so it stays still at the bottom of the tank. It would be advisable to consult a marine vet as ignorance of such issues can cause significant damage to your goldfish.
These were some of the reasons behind your goldfish staying still at the bottom of the tank.
Also read: How To Humanely Euthanize Goldfish?
What to do if your goldfish passes away at the bottom of the tank?
If you discover your goldfish passed away at the bottom of the tank, you must immediately place your goldfish outside to minimize the risk of other tankmates getting sick.
In addition to this, you should test the tank’s water to check nitrites, nitrate, and ammonia levels in the water. If the level of chemicals is high in the water, you should immediately change the tank’s water as it can cause severe damage to the other fish in the tank.
Conclusion:
- There can be many reasons behind your goldfish sitting at the bottom of the tank, like an overcrowded tank or swim bladder disorder in your goldfish.
- Your goldfish might gasp for air at the bottom of the tank due to a lack of oxygen and incorrect water temperature.
- Your goldfish might stay still at the bottom of the tank due to swim bladder disorder or has passed away.
- If you discover your goldfish passed away at the bottom of the tank, you should immediately place it outside to avoid the other tankmates falling sick.
Reference: NCBI