Page 339 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

GOLDFISH 337

FEEDING BEHAVIOR OF GOLDFISH
Although many of the foods marketed for and the goldfish may even resort to eating some such as to aid the growth of the distinctive
goldfish float, and therefore encourage these of the plants in their tank. Substrate digging does hoods seen in Lionheads and Orandas (see
cyprinids to feed at the surface, this is contrary not reflect a desire to spawn, as it does in some p.338). Goldfish in ponds can benefit
to their instincts. Like their carp ancestors, other fish, notably various cichlids. from wheat-germ foods, which
goldfish are bottom-feeding fish by nature; Goldfish are unusual in that they lack a stomach will prove more digestible
they scavenge in the substrate for foods such as at the start of the digestive tract where food can at lower water
worms and other invertebrates. This means that be stored, so they need to eat small quantities of temperatures
they can be fairly destructive to the decor in food on a frequent basis. Offering them a large than most other
the aquarium, since they will instinctively dig amount of food just once a day will therefore be food types.
around in search of edible items. Larger goldfish wasteful and will also lead to a deterioration in
varieties can move quite considerable amounts water quality as the unwanted food breaks down
of gravel in this way, sometimes concentrating and pollutes the water. Instead, give them a small
on a particular area of the tank and even amount of food four or five times a day, which
digging right down to the undergravel filter. will meet their appetite.
Plants in an aquarium for goldfish should There is now a wide range of different goldfish
therefore have their bases well protected by foods available. Some types are designed to be
rockwork in order to minimize the likelihood used as growth foods for young goldfish. Others
that they will be uprooted. This type of behavior are tailored to suit specific varieties or to
is most likely to arise when the fish are hungry, enhance particular characteristics,

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