Quick Answer: Do Goldfish Sleep?

How long do goldfish sleep for?

A goldfish spends their day swimming around, eating, and taking in oxygen. On top of that, they’re not able to sleep like we are. Goldfish have a very different type of sleep than we do called brumation which is similar to hibernation.

How do goldfish sleep?

Goldfish sleep by resting on the gravel at the bottom of the aquarium during the night. During the day they move about looking for food, communicating with other goldfish and exploring their environment.

What does it look like when a goldfish is sleeping?

When a goldfish is sleeping, they may be more sluggish and may become less active. The fish may also have a very dark coloration with their fins tucked under the body. Sleeping goldfish are also often very still.

Do goldfish rest with their eyes open?

While a goldfish is sleeping, their eyelids are closed. Because goldfish have a much different vision than humans do, they don’t rely on their eyes to see around them. Their eyes are mainly used to find food and communicate with other fish.

When do goldfish sleep?

Goldfish sleep most commonly during the evening hours. The fish will become very slow moving and you will notice that they are very still.

Do goldfish sleep at night?

Yes, goldfish do sleep at night. In the aquarium the fish will often gather around the bottom towards the end of the day. They don’t move much during the night so this is when you can actually see them sleeping.

Can goldfish sleep while floating or always lying on the bottom?

Goldfish can sleep while floating or always lying on the bottom. Goldfish that have recently been in a tank with other goldfish will usually be more active and less likely to nap.

Do goldfish sleep upside down?

Yes, goldfish can sleep upside down. This position will be used when they are sleeping deep in the water column. They may float on their side tilted towards the surface in a relaxed position for a few minutes, then drift back down to the bottom where they will rest until morning.

Is it bad to wake a sleeping goldfish?

It is not always bad to wake a sleeping goldfish, especially if you were worried about them. Waking a goldfish can help them get some oxygen and warm up. However, it’s best not to disturb them while they are sleeping in the early morning hours.

How do goldfish sleep together?

In the aquarium, goldfish sleep in groups. It is common for a group of two or more to sleep together. The fish will move from group to group, moving around during the day and sometimes sleeping together at night. These groups are usually male and female, but can be mixed if they are siblings or breeders.

Does a sleeping goldfish always lie on their belly?

No, a goldfish can lie on their belly or side. While the fish is sleeping, they may be on their side, lying flat on their sides or even upside down. They will also sleep in a group and may often sleep under gravel ledges or plants during the night.

How long does it take a goldfish to fall asleep?

It usually takes a goldfish between 15 minutes to an hour to fall asleep. The fish will move less, eat less and you will notice that they are much less active during this time period.

What can you do if your goldfish won’t stop swimming when they’re supposed to be asleep?

If your goldfish won’t stop swimming at night, you may need to reduce their food intake. It is not unusual for a goldfish to swim around for several hours after eating until they are ready to sleep.

You can also increase the amount of plants in the aquarium as this will give them more places to rest during the day.