Feeding Goldfish

Goldfish aren't fussy eaters and will eat just about anything you feed them. However, you will have to keep a couple of things in mind. One, make sure you don't overfeed them and two put only fish with the same swimming and physical capabilities in the same tank. Watching your Goldfish feed can be very relaxing. Once your fish recognizes feeding time, it will approach the tank wall as you approach it. They might even put on a swimming show just for your benefit. A hungry fish will rush to the food as soon as you drop it.

Although a diet of only flaked goldfish food should be enough to sustain your Goldfish, a varied diet including vegetables, pellets, etc., makes a happier and healthier fish. You will have to keep track of the amount of food you are feeding your goldfish, as not only could overfeeding be lethal, but the leftover food also makes the tank murky. You could feed your fish twice a day but you could feed fish food only once a day.

Each time, add only a pinch of fish food per fish. Do not forget to presoak pellets and flakes to prevent choking and constipation. You should drop food at the same time and spot in the tank/pond everyday. Remove excess food with a net after the feeding session, to avoid polluting the water. It is necessary not to feed your adult fish for a day every week.

Once you bring your fish home and get it settled into its new atmosphere, you will then have to determine its feeding habits. If you find that the new fish is willing to eat but unable to do so due to the competition from other fish in the tank then a separation might become necessary.

If you find your fish is still not eating, then try changing its diet. If you watch closely, you might notice your fish tasting something you dropped into the tank, but later rejecting it. By trial and error, you can figure out the food your fish likes and the ones it doesn't. Fish prefer to eat small portions all through the day. So if it is convenient for you, feed them many small meals several times a day instead of just one large meal once a day. But remember that you shouldn't feed them more than two mouthfuls everyday. Get the incharge at the pet shop to show you just how much you should feed your Goldfish.

If you Goldfish suddenly stops eating for days together, then you should take this as a sign of illness if your goldfish. It is safest to show your fish to a vet in such a situation.

You should also feed your Goldfish live food from time-to-time. Not only are they nutritional, but are also good for conditioning your Goldfish and work as natural laxatives. You can't give your fish just anything, but should be careful and make sure that the organism you are giving it isn't harmful. Many of the live foods are available as frozen foods.