Fantail goldfish are a widely beloved fish species for both beginners and experts alike, due to their ease of care requirements. If you have an aquarium, fantail goldfish make excellent additions.
Omnivores, they feed on detritus, vegetation, insects, leeches and crustaceans as well as nuts, fruits and vegetables. Frozen foods tend to be a good choice since they offer plenty of fat, protein, vitamins and minerals.
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Live Food
Many who opt for a diet that incorporates all or most live food will experience an uptick in their energy levels and vitality. This is because they are avoiding the negative effects of eating cooked foods that have been heated past cooking temperatures, thus destroying their beneficial enzymes.
Consuming a diet that is entirely live can have many advantages, but it also presents some challenges. One major hurdle is sourcing and storing live food without harmful pathogens.
Thankfully, there are many methods for cultivating fish and insect foods at home that you can do yourself. If the process of cultivation doesn’t appeal to you, pre-made feeds from local pet stores are always an option – for instance, microworms (also known as rotifers) and Artemia can be purchased there. You may also find other live foods through hobbyist groups like fish clubs or online vendors.
Frozen Food
Frozen food is an easy, nutritious and cost-effective way to feed your fantail goldfish. Plus, it allows you to prepare meals ahead of time for convenience.
Fresh foods like fruits and vegetables are highly susceptible to spoilage as soon as they’re picked or prepared. In fact, within just a few days, up to 80% of their vitamin C is lost from freshly picked produce.
Freezing enhances the vitamins and minerals present in frozen foods, extending their shelf life by weeks, months or even years!
Fantail goldfish thrive on a combination of goldfish pellets and live/frozen foods such as shrimp, daphnia or scalded peas.
Vegetables
Vegetables are an excellent addition to the diet of fantail goldfish. Not only do they supply them with essential vitamins and minerals, but they are high in fiber which aids with digestive issues!
Broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage are all nutritious choices for your fish. Not only do they supply essential nutrients like Vitamin A and B1 (thiamine), but they’re also high in fiber which aids digestion.
Vegetables can be fed to your fish as a snack or cut into bite-size pieces for easy consumption. Just be mindful not to overfeed; overfeeding may lead to bloating and other issues.
Lima beans are an ideal food choice for fish to include in their diet. Not only do they provide protein and fiber, but they can be either fresh or frozen; just remember to thaw them first so your fish can absorb essential vitamins and minerals.
Treats
Treats can be a nutritious addition to your fish’s diet and serve as an incentive for good behavior.
Healthy goldfish treats don’t have to be expensive or fancy to be beneficial, and they take minimal time and effort to prepare. Even simple foods like lettuce, peas and zucchini can be transformed into nutritious treats for your goldfish.
Fantail goldfish are opportunistic omnivores and can eat almost any type of food. However, they need fresh vegetables for fiber and essential nutrients.
Live food is an ideal choice for goldfish, particularly brine shrimp and daphnia. These highly nutritious foods will keep your fish healthy and vibrant.
Flakes are another popular food choice for goldfish. These float on the surface and break down into smaller pieces that are easier to digest, so they can be soaked in water prior to feeding in order to reduce waste production.
