Goldfish can survive for an extended period without being fed under specific conditions without starving to death. Goldfish have a relatively strong ability to endure hunger. Generally, they can go 20 - 30 days without food, and some goldfish with better constitutions can even last for more than half a year. In a suitable environment, goldfish can sustain their lives by feeding on plankton, algae, etc. in the water.
Survival Time of Goldfish Without Feeding
- 20 - 30 days: Under normal circumstances, goldfish can hold out for 20 - 30 days without being fed. This mainly depends on the water quality and the natural food sources in the environment.
- More than half a year: Some goldfish with better physical conditions can persist for an even longer time, sometimes reaching more than half a year.
- 10 days: For fully - grown goldfish, not being fed for 10 days usually won't lead to starvation. However, young fish may get sick or even die due to insufficient energy reserves.
Impacts of Not Feeding Goldfish
- Malnutrition: Prolonged lack of feeding will cause goldfish to suffer from malnutrition, weaken their physical constitution, lower their immunity, and make them prone to getting sick.
- Organ Damage: Extended periods of hunger may damage organs such as the liver and kidneys of goldfish.
- Abnormal Behavior: Hunger may trigger aggressive behavior among goldfish, resulting in abnormal behavior.
Suggestions to Avoid Goldfish Starvation
- Regular Feeding: Based on the type and size of the goldfish, establish a reasonable feeding schedule and quantity. Usually, feed them 1 - 2 times a day, and each time, the amount should be such that the goldfish can finish it within 3 - 5 minutes.
- Use an Automatic Feeder: If you need to go out, you can use an automatic feeder to feed them regularly, or add slow - release fish food in advance.
- Keep the Water Clean: Change the water regularly and clean the filter to ensure stable water quality, which is particularly important for the health of goldfish.