Do Goldfish Poop? Is It Normal?

Goldfish are messy species that produce a lot of waste. But is it normal for your goldfish to poop so much? Let us discuss this below:

Goldfish poop is entirely normal as it helps eliminate waste from the body. The look of the goldfish poop depends on the food you provide to your fish. However, if goldfish produce more waste than usual, it indicates digestive issues. We advise providing high-grade food to avoid constipation.

Let us dive into the article to know more about goldfish poop. In addition to this, we will also learn the reasons behind the white poop of your fish.

Is it normal for goldfish to poop so much?

Goldfish are messy fish that produces a lot of waste in the tank due to their eating habits. Goldfish digest food through their intestines as they don’t have the stomach to do the job. So excessive eating makes them poop a lot that is entirely normal.

However, if your goldfish is pooping more than usual, it indicates digestive issues . So it would help to avoid excessive feeding to your goldfish to prevent such health issues.

Therefore it would be advisable to provide high-grade food to your goldfish for its proper growth and development.

Do Goldfish Pee?

Goldfish do not pee as it eliminates the ammonia through their gills while they breathe. However, we want you to know that mammals pee to release ammonia from their bodies, which goldfish do not require.

What does goldfish poop look alike?

The goldfish poop look depends upon the food that they are eating. If you are feeding green veggies to your fish then it’s poop will be green in color whereas if you serve them meat like bloodworms then the color of the poop will be pinkish.

Therefore we would like you to know that your goldfish stool should have a solid consistency instead of hanging out from your fish body.

Why is goldfish poop long and stringy?

Long and stringy poop can lead to significant health issues in your goldfish. There are many ways behind your goldfish poop long and stringy. Some of them are as follows: 

Parasitic infection

Parasitic infection can also be a reason behind the long and stringy poop of your goldfish. You can check the anus of your goldfish to detect parasitic infections.

If the anus of your goldfish is inflamed, then they must be suffering from roundworms. 

Bacterial Infection 

Bacterial infection can also be a reason behind the long and stringy poop of your goldfish. Improper diet and foul water conditions can lead to bacterial infections in your goldfish. 

Flagellates

Flagellates can also be a reason behind the long and stringy poop of your goldfish. When your goldfish anus is not inflamed, then they might have flagellates.

We want you to know that flagellates can be located inside the intestinal tract of your fish and can cause mild infections. Flagellates should not be left untreated as they can cause your goldfish severe health issues. 

These were some reasons behind the long and stringy poop of your goldfish. 

Why is goldfish poop white?

There can be several reasons behind the white poop of your goldfish. Some of them are as follows:

Improper diet 

Improper diet is the most common reason behind the white poop of your goldfish. Your goldfish diet should contain all the necessary nutrients required to grow and develop.

Their diet should consist of green veggies, pellets, and meat. If you don’t provide all of this, their poop can turn white. 

Internal Parasites 

Internal Parasites can also be the reason behind the white poop of your goldfish. Roundworms and tapeworms will be the primary wrongdoer.

However, there is a rare possibility of Hexamita being the culprit. We want you to know that there are scarce chances of your goldfish suffering from internal parasites within the tank.

Bacterial Infection 

Bacterial infection can also be a reason behind the white poop of your goldfish. Internal bacterial infection can also lead to bloating in your goldfish and turn your fish lethargic.

Bacterial infection can also lead to loss of appetite in your goldfish. However, we want you to know that you can treat it with the right fish antibiotics if you discover bacterial infection early. 

These were some reasons behind the white poop of your goldfish. 

Why is water behind my goldfish tinged brown?

The tinged brown water behind your goldfish indicates diarrhea. You can prevent diarrhea by providing good quality food to your fish and keeping the tank clean.

In addition, it would be advisable to ensure regular water changes as goldfish are messy fish that produces a lot of waste.

Why are air bubbles in goldfish poop?

Air bubbles in your goldfish poop indicate towards lack of oxygen in your goldfish tank. An inadequate amount of oxygen makes your goldfish gasp for air into the tank. It usually happens due to poor water quality or if the water in the tank is warm.

We want you to know that warm water holds less oxygen than cold water. Therefore, an overcrowded tank can also lead to a lack of oxygen.

To avoid such issues, you should shift your fish to a bigger tank and add an air pump in the tank that helps maintain the tank’s oxygen level.

To know more benefits of an air pump, you can read my article on Can goldfish live without an air pump

You should always maintain the correct water temperature between 68° to 74° F to provide a healthy environment for your fish.

Goldfish not pooping at all

Goldfish are messy fish that produces a lot of waste. So, if they are not pooping at all, it indicates severe health issues in your goldfish.

Constipation can be the reason behind your goldfish not pooping at all. Lethargy, bloating, and loss of appetite are some common signs of constipation.

However, we want you to know that it can further lead to severe health issues if left untreated. To avoid such health issues, you should always provide high-grade food in small quantities to your goldfish.

It would be advisable to serve them the amount your fish can consume under 2 minutes.

Also, read: How To Treat Constipation In Goldfish?

Do goldfish eat their own poop?

Goldfish do not prefer to eat their poop until they are starving. Therefore, it will be advisable to provide all the necessary nutrients to your goldfish for their growth and development.

Another possible reason for goldfish eating its poop is an accident. Hence, you can avoid your fish eating poop by ensuring frequent water changes.

Conclusion:

1. Goldfish are messy fish that produces a lot of waste. However, if they are making more waste than usual, it can be due to digestive issues in your goldfish.
2. Goldfish release the ammonia through their gills, eliminating the requirement to pee.
3. The look of the goldfish stool depends upon their food. For example, if your fish diet contains a lot of meat, the poop will be pinkish. 
4. Bacterial infection, Parasitic infection, and flagellates are the three most common reasons behind your goldfish’s long and stringy poop.
5. Constipation can make your goldfish not poop at all. Loss of appetite, bloating, and lethargy are common signs of constipation in your fish.
6. The tinged brown water you discovered behind your goldfish is due to diarrhea. You can prevent diarrhea by ensuring regular water changes and keeping your goldfish tank clean. 
7. Air bubbles in your goldfish stool are due to your goldfish tank’s lack of oxygen. It would be advisable to keep your goldfish tank oxygenated for its proper growth and development. 

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Reference: Academic