Why Is My Goldfish Not Eating? |The Shocking Truth

Reasons Your Goldfish Isn’t Eating and How to Fix It

A sudden loss of appetite in goldfish can be problematic and have many underlying causes. Here are the top reasons your goldfish may have stopped eating and what you can do:

Water Quality Issues
Changes in parameters like pH, ammonia, or nitrites can stress goldfish and suppress their appetite.

• Fix it: Perform a 20-50% partial water change to improve water quality. Add an ammonia detoxifier if needed. Ensure the new water is at the same temperature.

Illness or Disease
Some common goldfish diseases that impact eating include mouth fungus, swim bladder disease, and bacterial infections.

• Fix it: Look for other symptoms like lethargy, abnormal swimming, etc. Treat with aquarium salt baths and fungal/bacterial medications. Improve water quality.

Temperature Change
Goldfish are most active and eat the most at 68-72°F. Higher or lower temps can reduce appetite.

• Fix it: Adjust the heater to keep water between 64-76°F. Add an aquarium thermometer to monitor temp.

Medication Side Effects
Some drugs used to treat goldfish diseases can temporarily reduce appetite.

• Fix it: Consult your vet about lowering the medication dose or frequency if appetite loss persists.

Boredom or Stress
A lack of stimulation and too much time alone can stress goldfish and make them lose interest in eating.

• Fix it: Add new decor, plants and hiding spots. Consider a goldfish friend if you have the tank space. Turn lights off for part of the day.

Old Age
As goldfish age past 5-10 years, their metabolism slows, and they often eat less.

• Fix it: Continue offering high-quality food along with fresh vegetables. Low activity levels may be normal for an older goldfish.

Deformities or Tumors
Physical abnormalities in the mouth or gastrointestinal tract can prevent goldfish from eating normally.

• Fix it: Consult an exotic pet vet for diagnostics and potential treatment options. Quality of life should be considered.

Here are some additional details about why goldfish may refuse to eat:

• Constipation: Impacted waste in the digestive tract can prevent a goldfish from wanting to eat. Gently massage the fish’s abdomen and provide high-fibre foods to help pass blockages.

• Lack of interest in food type: Goldfish can become bored with the same foods over time. Mix flakes and pellets with freeze-dried shrimp, bloodworms and vegetables to re-spark their appetite.

• Injury: If your goldfish has injuries near the mouth, fins or abdomen, it may be reluctant to eat as it heals. Provide shelter and aquarium salt treatments to aid the healing process.

• Swim bladder disorder: If a goldfish’s swim bladder is not functioning properly, it may be physically unable to access food at the surface. Fast the fish for a few days to allow the bladder time to recover.

• Internal parasites: Parasites like Camallanus worms can feed off a goldfish’s nutrition and suppress its appetite. Consult a vet about appropriate deworming medications.

• Changes in the light cycle: Inconsistent lighting schedules can disrupt natural feeding rhythms in goldfish. Keep light and dark periods as consistent as possible.

Here are some high-fibre foods that can be fed to goldfish:

• Zucchini: Slice thin pieces of zucchini and offer to the goldfish. Zucchini is low in calories but high in fibre.

• Cucumber: Like zucchini, slice up pieces of seedless cucumber and feed to the goldfish. This has a similar nutritional profile.

• Lettuce: Romaine and green leaf lettuce are good sources of fibre for goldfish. Remove the thicker ribs and offer the leaves.

• Peas: Both frozen and fresh peas are a great high-fibre treat for goldfish. Thaw frozen peas and remove the outer skins from the fresh ones.

• Daphnia: This small crustacean is an excellent natural laxative for goldfish. It helps move waste through the digestive tract.

• Wheatgrass: A small amount of fresh wheatgrass can add bulk and fibre to a goldfish’s diet. Grow your own or purchase from an aquarium store.

• Blanched algae wafers: These wafers are designed for algae-eating fish but can also help with constipation in goldfish due to their high fibre content.

Start with small amounts of high-fibre foods and monitor your goldfish’s eating, swimming and excretion. Some goldfish may also require clean, warm water and gentle massage on the abdomen to help pass waste already impacted.

Conclusion

In summary, there are many reasons goldfish may stop eating. But by methodically examining factors like water quality, temperament, medication and underlying health, owners can usually identify the cause and take steps to resolve the issue.

FAQs’