Can Big Goldfish Eat Small Fish?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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tend to browse for food, eating mostly what are bite-sized morsels, of anything edible. But,

if they happen to come across small fish (e.g. baby goldfish), they do not discern, and they will eat it if they can catch it

.

How big of a fish can a goldfish eat?

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

.

Will big goldfish bully small goldfish?


Goldfish don't normally bully each other, even when there are quite large size differences

. The larger fish will dominate the food at feeding time, but as long as you make sure Bastion is getting enough, that shouldn't be a problem.

Will goldfish eat baby goldfish?

Goldfish tends to browse for food, eat mostly bite-sized morsels of things that are edible. If it happens that they come across small fish, a very good example is a baby goldfish, they may not be able to discern, and will they will definitely eat it if it's in their reach.

Can you keep 2 goldfish together?


Keeping at least two goldfish in an aquarium is recommended to provide companionship and promote activity

. Solitary fish can exhibit depression and lethargy. Goldfish are generally not aggressive so they can be kept with most community fish provided the other fish are larger than the size of the goldfish's mouth.

Do goldfish get lonely?

While we can never know for sure,

there is no indication that goldfish get lonely

. It's likely that when you spot a single goldfish that seems lethargic or depressed, it is far more likely that there is a problem with its environment or health than it is that the goldfish is lonely.

Can you eat big goldfish?

Can you eat goldfish? The short answer is

goldfish are as edible as any other freshwater fish; however, they are most likely not very tasty

. Goldfish would taste of the foods that they eat – so, for example, a pet goldfish would probably taste a bit like fish flakes and pellets!

Will goldfish eat other dead goldfish?

Well,

yes, when a fish dies in the aquarium, there are higher probabilities that your goldfish will eat it up to remove it from their territory

. You may not even get to know that a fish was dead in your tank, as the goldfish will start eating it up right away.

Is it OK to feed goldfish once a day?

How often do you feed goldfish?

Adult goldfish should only be fed 1 time per day

with high protein food. Smaller fish need more frequent feedings of little portions to grow big and strong. They can still eat veggies around the clock, as much as they want, so you aren't depriving them.

Do goldfish fins grow back?


Usually, a fish will regrow fins without incident

. But sometimes, fin rot and other disease may impair its ability to do so. If you see signs of infection and salt doesn't help, consider purchasing antibiotics from the pet shop. These typically have detailed instructions included.

Do goldfish turn white?


Goldfish can turn white and pale when they are suffering from illness

. No specific ailment causes color changes directly. It's simply a symptom that can come with any disease. You'll know that the color change is from a disease if your fish is exhibiting other symptoms.

Can goldfish become aggressive?


Goldfish aggression is not common, but it is not unheard of

. Any fish can get agitated—even the most peaceful of fish get moody sometimes. Aggression is unwanted behavior that can mess up your carefully balanced goldfish community tank.

How long do pet 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. Housing needs to meet both their behavioural and physiological needs.

Can a goldfish bite?

But there's no need to worry. Goldfish teeth aren't sharp and

they can't bite people

. They're actually very flat – a bit like human molars – and are used to crush and grind food.

How do you know if your goldfish is happy?

  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.

Do goldfish need a big tank?


Goldfish require a minimum of 20 gallons

, and an aquarium of that size is suitable for only two fish. The reason for a goldfish's need for a large set up is because goldfish grow to be anywhere between 6 inches and 2 feet long depending on the type of fish you own.

How fast do goldfish grow?

Your goldfish will reach

about 2 inches in 6 months

. As long as it has adequate nutritional support, it'll reach over 3 inches by the end of its first year.

Can goldfish live with bettas?


Yes, betta fish can live with goldfish, but it's not advisable due to their different habitat requirements

. Moreover, they have different dietary requirements, which makes feeding them in the same tank a bit difficult.

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

.

Do goldfish need toys?


They want to be entertained with some toys and decor items present in the water

. Usually, they look for aquatic plants, tunnels, stones, and other such things that give them an ocean vibe. Make sure to choose lightweight, easy to push around and aquarium safe toys, so it does not harm your goldfish.

Can 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.

What fish Cannot be eaten?

Are you aware that four fish have been designated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ( USDA ) and Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) to be unsafe to eat due to their typically high levels of mercury? Making the “do not eat” list are

King Mackerel, Shark, Swordfish and Tilefish

.

What happens if you swallow a goldfish whole?

Eating raw goldfish is a VERY bad idea.

Consuming raw fish carries a higher risk of parasitic transmission, especially pathogens such as capillaria (intestinal worms)

. Worm infestations in goldfish are pretty common. And they can spread to people, if ingested.

What kind of goldfish get big?

Depending on the variety,

fancy goldfish

can also get very large, but not as large as long-body, comet goldfish. We have seen a Ryukin 10′′ long and almost the same circumference. Due to their genetic restrictions, most fancy goldfish do not get larger than 6-8′′ long, which may or may not include their ornate fins.

Can goldfish be cannibals?


Cannibalism is usually rare

(occurring maybe when a fish is dying or dead) but in cramped, stressful situations, goldfish may behave unpredictably. A disease is possible any time fish are stuck in small homes.

Can goldfish have babies?

How many babies do goldfish have?

A goldfish can lay anywhere from a few hundred up to 1,000 eggs at a time

. However, some of these eggs do not get fertilized, some do not develop, and others may not hatch.

Does goldfish eat their own poop?


Picking up detritus and spitting it out is normal behaviour for goldfish

. Goldfish, like their wild relatives carp, are omnivores that find food both both visually (they see something moving in the water) and by rooting through detritus in the substrate.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.