More Reasons Why Keeping Goldfish In A Bowl Sucks!

Goldfish may be a hardy breed but that doesn’t mean you should simply dump your fish into a little bowl, along with a few twigs of weeds. Most fish bowls are too small for any number of goldfish.

All goldfish require lots of space and oxygen, especially those varieties with massive egg-shaped bodies, like Comets and Common Goldfish. If properly cared for and provided with adequate living space, goldfish can grow quite large. They have the potential to reach lengths of 15 to 40 cm or more, depending on the variety.

In my previous article, I’ve lay out the three reasons why goldfish won’t thrive well in a bowl. And if those reasons aren’t enough to convince you otherwise, here’s two more.

Why Goldfish Won’t Thrive Well In a Bowl

1. Smaller Space Means Lesser Oxygen

Cooler water contains more oxygen. So logically, being a coldwater species, goldfish require large amounts of oxygen and will not thrive well in a bowl or any other small container, as these usually hold only a small amount of water.

A smaller surface area also means a lower rate of gaseous exchange (the absorption of oxygen and release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere), so the fish will not receive enough oxygen.

2. Lesser Oxygen Will Result In Premature Death

Oxygen deprivation can harm your goldfish or stunt their growth. It causes unnecessary suffering and leads to premature death. The lifespan of a goldfish can be as long as 25 years or more, but it will probably live only a few years if kept in too small a container.

Signs of Oxygen Deprivation

Goldfish tend to open and close their mouths while eating. However, if your goldfish constantly exhibit this behavior, remain at the water surface, or flap their gill covers vigorously, it could signify that the fish are not getting enough oxygen.

If your fish display symptoms of oxygen deprivation, here are…

Quick Remedies To Provide Enough Oxygen For Your Goldfish

• Move the fish to a container with a larger surface area. The bigger the container, the better. Ensure that the container is watertight, very clean, and free of soap reside. Place a sturdy cover over the container to prevent your fish from jumping out. However, the cover you choose must allow air circulation.
• If the current location of their tank is too warm, move it to a cooler, well-ventilated area.
• If the water is polluted, make a partial water change and install a filter in the aquarium, if necessary.

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