There can be various reasons why goldfish stop eating, including water quality issues, diseases, environmental changes, and so on. The following are the common causes and solutions:
1. Water Quality Issues
- Sudden Change or Pollution of Water Quality: Poor water quality can cause goldfish to refuse to eat. It is recommended to change 1/6 to 1/8 of the water every day for 3 to 5 consecutive days. Avoid changing too much water at one time.
- Excessively High Content of Harmful Substances: For example, if the levels of ammonia nitrogen and nitrite exceed the standard, it will affect the health of goldfish. Change the water in a timely manner and keep the water quality stable.
2. Indigestion
- Overfeeding: Overfeeding may lead to indigestion. Goldfish will refuse to eat and hide in the corner. It is advisable to stop feeding and appropriately increase the water temperature to promote digestion.
- Food Change: Suddenly changing the fish feed may cause discomfort to goldfish. The food should be changed gradually to allow the goldfish to get used to it.
3. Diseases
- Parasite or Bacterial Infections: Diseases such as trichodina, Chilodonella, or enteritis can cause goldfish to stop eating. You can use anti-parasitic drugs or perform a medicated bath with salt and yellow powder.
- Intestinal Diseases: Goldfish may have white feces. It is recommended to take them out separately, raise the water temperature, increase the oxygen supply, and give them a medicated bath.
4. Environmental Changes
- Large Temperature Difference: A sudden change in water temperature will affect the appetite of goldfish. Pay attention to keeping the water temperature constant and avoid large temperature differences.
- Adaptation to a New Environment: Newly added goldfish to the tank or environmental changes may cause goldfish to refuse to eat. It is recommended to observe for a few days to let the goldfish gradually adapt.
5. Other Reasons
- Spawning Period: Goldfish may have a decreased appetite during the spawning period. You can feed a small amount every day and observe their reaction.
- Harmful Algae: Algae such as Euglena and blue-green algae may affect the digestion of goldfish. Clean the algae in the fish tank in a timely manner.
Conclusion
Maintaining stable water quality, feeding reasonably, and treating diseases promptly are the keys to solving the problem of goldfish refusing to eat. If the problem persists, it is recommended to further observe the behavior of the goldfish or consult a professional veterinarian.