What do goldfish do in winter?

During the winter months when the water temperatures are 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit and below, hardy koi and goldfish will go into their annual torpor, or dormancy. The fish’s metabolism and activity slows, they become very lethargic, and they require little nourishment.

Do goldfish hide in the winter?

They tend to keep themselves concealed when concealment is available. Rate of metabolism for koi and goldfish is greatly reduced during low water temperatures, especially below 50F. This is why they do not feed during the cold periods, when water temperatures drop and stay below 55F.

How do I know my goldfish is sleeping?

Unlike people, goldfish do not lie down when they sleep. Rather, they become less active, staying in one place and moving slowly to keep themselves stable. They look like they are hovering in the tank or pond, usually low in the water, an inch or so off the bottom, with their heads pointed slightly downward.

What temperature is too cold for goldfish?

However, this does not mean that they should be kept in cold water. When the water temperature is too cold, the goldfish will stop eating and might even hibernate or die. When the water temperature falls below 50-55°F, it is classified as been too cold for the goldfish.

When should I stop feeding my goldfish in the winter?

In wintertime you should stop feeding fish daily if water temperature is below 10°C is. Start feeding fish daily again at a water temperature of 10 °C or higher. At lower temperatures metabolism of (cold-blooded) fish is so slow, that they hardly need any feed. In this period you should restrict the amount of feed.

Can goldfish freeze and come back to life?

You may be wondering: “Can goldfish freeze and come back to life?” The answer is no. Goldfish cannot withstand being frozen for extended periods of time. Goldfish are cold-water species by origin.

Do goldfish recognize you?

Pet goldfish can distinguish between humans, and often recognise the human that regularly feeds them. Pet goldfish can also seem quite scared of new people, but become more comfortable with their owners over time as they realise they aren’t a threat.

Is it normal for goldfish to lay on the bottom of the tank?

Bottom sitting is typically one of the first signs of an unhealthy or unhappy goldfish. Ignoring this behavior can lead to your goldfish getting worse health-wise or even lead to their passing. It is best to find the source of the problem, whether it is a disease or not.

Can goldfish live without a heater?

In summary: Goldfish don’t need heaters – most of the time. If the conditions of your home or outdoor environment get too cold for either fancy or common Goldfish, you may need a heater. Remember that Goldfish are endothermic, meaning their metabolism is controlled by the external environment.

Should I keep my pond pump running in winter?

Should I Leave My Pond Pump Running In Winter? Many guides will recommend that you completely shut down your pond pump over the winter to prevent the water from becoming super chilled; however, this isn’t necessary for our climate.