If you won a goldfish at the fair, feed it a small pinch of quality goldfish flakes or pellets once or twice a day, only as much as it eats in about two minutes. Just as important, get it into a bigger, filtered tank as soon as you can. Fair goldfish are often stressed and many do not survive without proper housing.
What to feed
- A goldfish-specific flake or sinking pellet as the main food.
- Soaked pellets, which are easier on the digestion than dry floating flakes.
- Occasional treats such as blanched, shelled peas, a bit of lettuce or live or frozen foods like daphnia.
How much and how often
Feed once or twice a day. Offer only what the fish finishes in about two minutes and remove leftovers. Overfeeding is the most common mistake. It can cause constipation, swim-bladder problems and dirty water. In cool water, goldfish eat less, so feed less.
First steps when you bring the fish home
- Float the bag in your tank for 15 to 20 minutes to match the temperature.
- Use dechlorinated water. Tap water needs a water conditioner.
- Skip the bowl. Goldfish produce a lot of waste and grow bigger than most people expect. A bowl is too small and has no filter. A tank of 20 gallons or more is a better start for one fancy goldfish, and common goldfish need far more.
- Cycle the tank if you can, or do frequent partial water changes and test ammonia.
- Keep the water cool. Goldfish do not need a heater in most homes.
Signs of trouble
Gasping at the surface, clamped fins, white spots or floating sideways mean something is wrong. Check the water first, since poor water quality is the usual cause. An aquatic vet can help with ongoing illness.
Bottom Line
Feed lightly, keep the water clean and give your fair goldfish a proper tank. For more feeding help, see feeding goldfish while on vacation, how many pellets to feed small goldfish and pellets vs sinking food.
