Why are my goldfish...

Question

My goldfish keep going to the top of the water. Are they looking for food?

I feed them twice a day but the food sinks into the travel, are they able to still eat this food once it has sunk?

Answer 1

If they keep staying at the top when there is no food there, it may be that there is not enough oxygen in the water for them. This can certainly be the case with tropical fish tanks, so I assume it would be the same for cold water tanks too. Check with your local fish shop though, & if they think this is the problem, you'll be able to buy a bubble tube or something similar that should sort it out!

Answer 2

Fish tend to come to the surface of the fish tank when the water becomes unclean and hence lacks oxygen. Change the water in the tank and you will see that immediately, the fishes will go to the bottom of the tank.

The fish will eat food, where ever they are in the water either at the top or bottom. No need to worry about it. To keep the water clean better use filters.   This is my experience.

Answer 3

i've had many fish before, and i think most fish do this, they're like a dog, they always want food. lol. and yeah, my fish have always eaten off the bottom.

Answer 4

Yes they can, Goldfish are scavengers, they will dig around in the gravel to see if they can find any food, if you are worried that they are not eating, you could always get them flakes because they float, then they can eat them off the top and you can stop worrying about them..

Hope i helped!

^^)

Answer 5

well idk if i can help u but maybe go to ur local pet shop and ask someone who works in the fish section

Answer 6

My fish do this all the time . They might just be hungry , or There is something wrong with the water or there gravel . Try giving a wee bit of food and if this dose'nt work , try cleaning there gravel or there water . Don't worry I don't think there's anything serious wrong with your fish .

Answer 7

this is very common with goldfish its either not enoug oxygen in the water or they have swim bladder in which they have problems basicly there constipated and they float to the top and sometimes cant control it.iv got an awnser for both possibilitys get an air pump for oxygen get some peas to cure the swim bladder take shell of pea and feed it to the goldfish,and thats what it sounds like hows clean is your water?well im pretty sure its swim bladder or not enough oxygen in the tank well hope it helps.

Answer 8

maybe they want a new kind of food :s

Answer 9

possibilities they are looking for food or gasping for water.  Yah the love to search for food whole day just don't overfeed them it will cause death.   When food sink they still suck the gravel for food.  Maybe you don't have a filter or aeration which goldfish lead to gasping for air.

kOi keeper & goldfish keeper.

Answer 10

No,maybe they do not have much oxygen in the aquarium  

Answer 11

Yes. Goldfish will sift through gravel looking for food all day.

This is also a reason to regularly vacuume your gravel though!

Gasping at the surface is a signn of water toxicity. I would have your water tested if your fish seem in distress.

Otherwise, gulping air from the surface can be normal behavior (goldies can digest a little oxygen this way)

Answer 12

It sounds as if they need some oxygen, as a short term measure, replace abot 1/4 of the tank with fresh water.  Long term, look at getting some oxgenating plants or maybe an air stone? (relatively cheap from most pet shops)

Answer 13

Yes they do just make sure you don't have too many decorations in there so it can be easy access for them.

Answer 14

Goldfish tend to eat the flakes as it sits on top of the water, they prefer it. Once it has sunk to the bottom, it will be too soggy, and they are less likely to eat it.

It may be that they are looking for food, but it may be that they are looking for more air. In hot weather especially, it is important that you clean out their tank and give them clean water.

If you have them in a very small bowl there may not be enough air for them, so consider getting a larger tank or an aerator.