Q&A for How to Feed Goldfish

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

What's the best veggie to give my goldfish?

Doug Ludemann
Professional Aquarist
Doug Ludemann is the owner and operator of Fish Geeks, LLC, an aquarium services company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Doug has worked in the aquarium and fish-care industry for over 20 years, including having worked as a professional aquarist for the Minnesota Zoo and Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. He received his Bachelor of Science in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior from the University of Minnesota.

Doug Ludemann

Professional Aquarist

Expert Answer

Probably peas. I wouldn't recommend overdoing it with the vegetables, though. Goldfish have a hard time digesting them.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 7
Question

Can goldish die of overfeeding?

Doug Ludemann
Professional Aquarist
Doug Ludemann is the owner and operator of Fish Geeks, LLC, an aquarium services company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Doug has worked in the aquarium and fish-care industry for over 20 years, including having worked as a professional aquarist for the Minnesota Zoo and Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. He received his Bachelor of Science in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior from the University of Minnesota.

Doug Ludemann

Professional Aquarist

Expert Answer

Yes, you really don't want to overfeed your goldfish. It's especially bad to leave leftover food in the water, since it can rot in the water.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3
Question

What if I want to add variety to their diet?

Doug Ludemann
Professional Aquarist
Doug Ludemann is the owner and operator of Fish Geeks, LLC, an aquarium services company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Doug has worked in the aquarium and fish-care industry for over 20 years, including having worked as a professional aquarist for the Minnesota Zoo and Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. He received his Bachelor of Science in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior from the University of Minnesota.

Doug Ludemann

Professional Aquarist

Expert Answer

So it's really just easiest to keep them on pellets, or a prepared diet, I should say. Now, the variety in this sense can come in the way of spirulina flakes, flakes versus pellets, or floating versus sinking food. There are a lot of different things that you can do to vary their diet. Just make sure you use food designed for goldfish.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 7
Question

When I bought a goldfish, it had a black line in its head but now it's gone. How can I get it back?

Community Answer

There is no way you can get the marks back. It's common for a goldfish to change its markings or color when it grows up.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 7 Helpful 28
Question

I have known some people who try to handle their fish - if I put my hand in to pet it, will it harm the goldfish?

Community Answer

My goldfish will often come over to my fingers if I put them in the tank, I think it's okay as long as they're comfortable with you touching them. Wash your hands first and don't take the fish all the way out of the tank.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 9 Helpful 48
Question

If I do not change the tank water for a month, what will happen?

Community Answer

It depends on your filtering system, but in general, the water will become clogged with by-products of the fish digestion, including ammonia, which can lead to bacteria and algae overgrowth and the fish will become sick. If there is no filter, the fish will die. The recommendation is to change 1/4 of the water once a week for tanks with filtration system.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 6 Helpful 35
Question

What should be the temperature of the water in which the goldfish is kept?

Community Answer

They enjoy cooler water around 65 to 70 degrees F (18-21 degrees C). It may vary slightly from breed to breed. Ask a breeder or vet if you are unsure.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 26
Question

Why do my goldfish eat the seaweed in the fish tank?

Community Answer

Goldfish like to eat plants. It's completely normal behavior. Make sure you only put plants in your tank that aren't toxic to the fish.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 22
Question

What can cause fish to spit their food out?

Community Answer

The problem is probably the food. Bettas often do not like flakes and will only eat them as a last resort. Try switching to a different type of betta food, such as pellets.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 9 Helpful 44
Question

Can using a garden hose to fill my tank be deadly?

Community Answer

If you don't use a dechlorinator or if the temperature of the water from the hose is very different from the temperature in the aquarium, yes, it can be deadly. Never clean an aquarium filter with tap water.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 11 Helpful 35
Question

What if my goldfish doesn't eat?

Community Answer

Try changing the food. Or it may have been overfed, so try leaving it alone for a bit. Goldfish sense the vibration of the food dropping in the water so make sure you're putting in enough food for it to sense. If the tank is so large it doesn't notice food, try putting it in less water for a bit.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 10 Helpful 30
Question

How often should I change the water?

Community Answer

Once a week is good. It really depends on how filtered your water is to begin with.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 15 Helpful 37
Question

Are the pellets good for fantail fish?

Community Answer

As long as the pellets are for fish, it should be OK. You should not feed anything to your fish that is not fish food.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 13 Helpful 24
Question

If I have three goldfish, how can I make sure one fish isn't eating all of the food?

Community Answer

It may take a bit of time, but you could take individual fish out of the tank and into a smaller container to feed them separately.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 14 Helpful 23
Question

Can I feed my fish dough?

Caeiia

Top Answerer

No.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 10 Helpful 12
Question

How long should I wait to feed my goldfish?

Community Answer

In general, wait 12 hours. Give them 1/3 or 1/4 cup twice a day, such as when you wake up and before you go to sleep.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 29 Helpful 14
Question

Do I need to cook the apple before feeding it to my goldfish?

Community Answer

That would be a good idea. The apple just needs to be soft and small enough for the fish to eat. Dicing it into small pieces would work too -- just remember to take the skin off!

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 2
Question

How do I know when to feed my fish?

Community Answer

Just sprinkle a pinch of food in the tank twice a day.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 1
Question

Is it true that my goldfish will die if I feed them every day?

Community Answer

Not true. Feed as much as they eat within 1-3 mins.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

I've been feeding my fish only flake food and he has been fine for four months. Should I buy other foods, or should I just stick with what I'm doing?

Community Answer

You could try to feed him a variety of foods, but using mainly using flakes is alright.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

I'm getting a bigger tank, should I give the plastic plants and ornaments a good clean, or just put them in the new tank?

SAEEISAE Albrecht

Community Answer

Yes! Always clean everything thoroughly. And try to get all-natural stuff for your fish, not plastic.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

I give my fantails pellets 3 times a day. I keep them in a bowl that has a filter in it, and I use non-chlorinated tap water. My problem is that they don't look active, and one chases the other. Why?

SAEEISAE Albrecht

Community Answer

Is your bowl large enough? Do they have a hideaways or aqua plants? Try addressing those issues and see if the situation improves.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

I feed my goldfish vegetables like peas, cucumber, and broccoli, is that okay? They make the water dirty, what should I do?

SAEEISAE Albrecht

Community Answer

Those foods are good, but break them down to a quarter of a pea size. If they make the water dirty, you just have to clean the tank more frequently.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 0
Question

I have 12 goldfishes, how much food should I give them?

Community Answer

As much as they can eat in 2 minutes. Never any more. Remove anything they don't eat.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

What freeze-dried foods can my goldfish eat?

Community Answer

Brine shrimp and bloodworms; only for a occasional treat, though. You can find them at pet stores.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Is it okay to give goldfish bloodworms every day?

Dragonroyal

Community Answer

No, they will become bloated and very fat. When this happens, they can die very quickly. Never feed them bloodworms more then 2 times a week.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

I'm going to be away for 4 days, will my goldfish survive without food?

Community Answer

At pet stores you can find travel food for fish. They come In packages and slowly dissolve while you're away. The fish can eat this.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

My goldfish is about 3 inches long from head to the end of the tail. Are mealworms too large for it? Do I break the worms up? What is the serving size of apple/pea/broccoli for my size fish?

SAEEISAE Albrecht

Community Answer

Yes, break everything down, even if you don't think it is necessary. Try breaking everything down to half the size of a pea.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Am I under feeding my fish? I give it 1-2 soaked flakes once or twice a day. It is a relatively small, long one.

Mel K

Top Answerer

Yes. A good rule of thumb is to feed an amount that the goldfish can consume in under two minutes.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

In part 2, you said we can feed the goldfish with flakes 1-2 times a week, and pellets 2-3 times a week and worms once a week. Is it a typo? Shouldn't it be 2-3 times a day instead of a week?

Community Answer

No, it is not a typo. The intention was that you're feeding flakes, pellets, and worms all together. 2 + 3 + 1 = 6. 6 days a week of feeding. All fish should be offered a variety of foods, only feeding pellets is not recommended.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0