Goldfish aren’t tropical.
You might come close, but you can’t give your fish all of the recommended goldfish care they need in a tropical aquarium. You’ll have to make compromises to keep both your goldfish and tropical fish happy.
Can a goldfish go in a tropical tank?
Technically, yes, but we wouldn’t recommend it. Goldfish have a metabolism that thrives at cooler temperatures than you would typically find in a tropical aquarium. They are also extremely messy fish, leading to ammonia and nitrate spikes that could potentially kill other fish in your tank.
What’s the difference between goldfish and tropical fish?
Goldfish differ from tropical fish because they are less varied and don’t require a heater to warm up their water, but do require larger spaces and a good filtration system. They can be found in freshwater bodies of water away from the equator. Although there are fewer types within this breed, they do vary.
Will goldfish eat tropical fish food?
You shouldn’t feed goldfish tropical fish flakes because of the varying nutritional needs of the species. For example, you might be giving shrimp or bloodworms to the carnivores in your tank. Goldfish have specific requirements, too, that put tropical fish flakes off the menu.
Are goldfish considered tropical fish? – Related Questions
How long can a 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.
Do goldfish need a heater?
Common goldfish can tolerate the cold winter months without a heater. However, fancy goldfish are more sensitive and need a heater to maintain warm conditions. Fancy goldfish get stressed and develop a weakened immune system and infections when they do not have a heated tank.
Can goldfish eat tropical fish food pellets?
Can Goldfish Eat Tropical Fish Food? Yes, You can feed Goldfish Tropical Fish Food, Just Don’t make it permanent, or your goldfishes could be malnourished!
What type of fish food can goldfish eat?
A mixture of specialised goldfish flake and granules are a good staple diet. Ideally supplement this with live brine shrimp and a mixture of frozen brine shrimp, daphnia and veggie mix. The diet can also be supplemented by scalded peas, small invertebrates and duck weed.
What can I feed goldfish if I have no fish food?
Cooked vegetables (peas, cauliflower, pumpkin, carrots, etc.), boiled or steamed, are great food alternatives to fish food flakes once in a while for your omnivorous and herbivorous aquarium fish. You can even feed some fish (goldfish and koi in particular) cooked rice or oatmeal.
What can goldfish eat if you run out of food?
The 14 Things to Feed Your Goldfish When You’re Out of Food
- Green, Leafy Vegetables.
- Peas.
- Sweet Potato.
- Zucchini.
- Cucumber.
- Raspberries.
- Oranges.
- Strawberries.
Can goldfish live in tap water?
Goldfish cannot live in untreated tap water
Goldfish can only live in tap water when it has been properly treated to remove harmful chemicals. Tap water contains chemicals that will kill all of the ‘good bacteria’ in your tank.
How do you feed a banana to a goldfish?
Float in the tank
The best way to serve bananas to your goldfish is to let them float in the water. Cut small pieces of bananas and put them into the water like other fish food. Your goldfish itself will come above to eat the bananas.
How can you tell a goldfish’s age?
The scales are made up of concentric rings which are formed closer together during cold weather when there is little fish growth, and further apart in warm conditions when the goldfish are growing more quickly. By counting the bands of closely spaced rings, the age of the fish can be determined.
Do goldfish like being touched?
They need space to perform well. Goldfish also don’t like being touched on their bodies, bright lights, or loud noises. Do not tap on the tank to get your goldfish’s attention.
How do you tell if a fish is a boy or girl?
You can determine the sex of your fish by inspecting its gonads (reproductive organs), which are located towards the top of the gut cavity. Mature female fish will have orange ovaries and male fish will have white testes (see photos above).
How can I tell if my goldfish is happy?
Your fish are happy and healthy when they: 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. Eat regularly and swim to the surface quickly at feeding time.
Do goldfish like the light on or off?
If your tank is in a poorly lit area – or if you want to grow live plants, such as hornwort – then it would be a good idea to include a light in your aquarium. Remember to switch off your aquarium light at night, as this will replicate natural day/night cycles. Like humans, goldfish prefer to sleep in the dark.
Is it OK to have only one goldfish?
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 prefer still or moving water?
Many goldfish seem to enjoy areas of faster moving water that they can play in. This is best coupled with calm areas with little to no current. Keep in mind that water movement is going to help reduce stagnation, increase filtration efficiency, and increase dissolved oxygen in the water.
Do fish like when you tap the tank?
Tapping Scares Your Fish
Let’s get the obvious out of the way: tapping on the glass scares your fish more than anything. Even if you gently tap on the glass, your fish will swim far away — and may never come forward again.