Goldfish are among the most popular freshwater fish in the world, and for good reason: they are relatively inexpensive, easy to care for, and come in an astounding variety of colors and patterns. They make great additions to almost any type of aquarium, as long as you understand how to keep them happy and healthy. In this article, we’ll look at ten fun facts about goldfish that may surprise you!
1) The reason why goldfish are orange
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If you have ever owned a goldfish, or spent time watching one swim around in its tank, then you have probably noticed that they are orange. You may be wondering why goldfish are orange. The reason for their color has nothing to do with food or health; it is actually a result of genetics. So why are these fish orange? The answer has to do with breeding and coloration. Read on to learn more about these fascinating creatures!
2) Why do they have what looks like a mustache?
Have you ever wondered why a goldfish has what looks like a mustache? The red markings that look like eyebrows and whiskers are called barbels, and they help to increase a goldfish’s ability to feel around in murky water. Barbels are more pronounced in younger fish, but will eventually become hidden under their scales as they grow.
3) How can you make sure your fish tank water is clean?
A surefire way to make sure your fish tank water is clean is by performing frequent water changes. Whenever you change your tank’s water, it’s imperative that you refill it with water of similar temperature, pH, and salinity levels. To keep your goldfish healthy, replace 25% of their total tank volume at least once every two weeks.
4) They look miserable. Are they really?
The answer is yes and no. They look perpetually dejected, but that’s because they’re compressed facies fish, meaning their faces have been squished flat against their body due to breeding selectively for a large head and tiny body. A happy goldfish wouldn’t have such a pinched face.
5) What color are their eggs?
Did you know that goldfish eggs are transparent, white or orange? If you want to see them, place some aquarium sand in a shallow bowl and add water. Cover with a glass plate and wait overnight. In a few hours, you should see little fish swimming around! This is one of my favorite things to do with kids…they just love it when they get to see their little goldies swimming around!
6) Do goldfish feel pain when we step on them in the dark?
Probably not. In 2003, scientists at Queen’s University in Belfast, Ireland, discovered that goldfish are lacking several key structures in their brains (including those related to feeling pain) when compared to other vertebrates. According to Dr. Donald Mott of McGill University’s Department of Psychology, goldfish have smaller brain-to-body mass ratios than chickens, meaning a relatively tiny brain for their body size.
7) Can goldfish eat peas and carrots?
Did you know that goldfish can’t see red or green? Or that if a fish bowl is large enough, your goldfish can grow up to 24 inches long? Neither did we! But now we do. Which is why we’ve decided to find out everything there is to know about these beautiful fish. So without further ado, here are ten fun facts on goldfish for your enjoyment
8) Is it true that if you drop a goldfish down the drain, it will live in your pipes forever?
It is said that if you drop a goldfish down a drain it will live out its life in your plumbing. Is it true? Fish have been shown to have an impressive ability to adapt and survive in many environments, so could they really live for years in your pipes? In short, yes. Even fish experts are surprised by some of these facts! Check out our list of fun facts below to learn more.
9) If you turn off all of the lights in your house at night.
You probably already know that goldfish are capable of detecting light. But what you might not realize is just how sensitive their eyesight is. With up to 125 rods per eye, a goldfish’s eyesight is eight times sharper than a human’s (which has only six). If there are any tiny lights on in your house, they’ll be able to see them!
10) How much do goldfish grow each year?
If a goldfish is kept in a big enough tank, it can grow 3-5 inches in one year. Sadly though, if a goldfish grows too big or its environment isn’t large enough for it to swim freely, it will get sad and its fins will become weak and damaged. With proper care, however, goldfish can live more than 10 years and reach sizes of up to 12 inches.
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