Often Asked: Do Goldfish Fight?

Goldfish are one of the most popular pet fish in the world. Some people keep them in a bowl, but others prefer to have a pond for their favorite little friends. However, it can be difficult to know how to care for your pet goldfish when they are fighting each other. Read this article to learn more about why goldfish fight and what you can do if your fish start fighting with each other.

My goldfish are fighting! What should I do?

If your fish are fighting often, you may need to separate them from each other. Goldfish cannot live alone for very long. Often, it’s best to go ahead and remove one of the fish. If they have been friends for a while and are still getting along, you can leave them to fight it out with no real consequences.

Why is my goldfish fighting?

In the wild, goldfish will fight when their territory is threatened or when they feel like they need to protect their young. In your aquarium, it’s possible that one fish’s feeding bowl has too many decorations and rocks, which are used to mark territory. If you try and separate the two fish, they may stop fighting and get along even better in the future.

How do I stop my goldfish from fighting?

The easiest way to prevent your goldfish from fighting is to stop putting objects in the tank. It’s normal for goldfish to bump into things, but if their tank is filled with objects that they like and don’t get hurt when they bump into, they will be less likely to fight.

If you already have a tank, you can try adding one of the top-feeding tanks. If you have an aquarium with aggressive goldfish and you’re thinking about buying more, it’s best to buy one that was bred in a tank with a small number of fish. That way, the new tank will be less crowded and the other fish will be more likely to get along.

Another option is to try the barrier pond. A barrier pond is simply a small bowl that separates your goldfish from the other fish in your aquarium. If your goldfish are not used to being separated, they may have some issues adjusting and may fight more.

What can I do if my goldfish is always fighting?

Some fish that live in groups are more likely to start fighting than those that live alone. If your fish fight a lot, it’s a good idea to try adding another goldfish of the same gender and size. If they all get along, you can remove one for breeding purposes.

What can I do if my fish fight at feeding time?

You will need to find a way to feed your goldfish without them fighting each other, or you’ll need to get another aquarium. If your fish are used to fighting at feeding time, then it’s best to get another aquarium and feed them in their separate containers.

What causes goldfish to fight?

In the wild, goldfish will fight when their territory is threatened or when they feel like they need to protect their young. In the home, fighting is usually caused by overcrowding. The fish might be playing and bumping into each other in the bowl, or they could be competing for food.

Should I separate a pair of fighting goldfish?

Goldfish cannot survive alone for very long. They are social fish and need to be kept in groups, either a single aquarium or a pair in a large tank. It’s usually best to remove the other fish and treat the tank with fish medication to promote the health of the goldfish that remain.

How do I keep my goldfish from fighting?

There are several ways you can try if your fish start fighting with each other. You can choose one of these options or even all three: barrier ponds, livebearers and top-feeding tanks.

Barrier ponds

A barrier pond is simply a small bowl that separates your goldfish from the other fish in your aquarium. Most goldfish become very territorial and like to mark their territory with rocks and decoration. If you put an opaque barrier between the two separate aquariums, the fish will be unable to see each other and will stop fighting.

Livebearers

If you already have a tank of goldfish, you can add some livebearers into the tank to keep them from fighting. Livebearers are fast and active fish. They won’t fight with your goldfish unless you put them in a small tank with no other fish.

Top-feeding tanks

Another option is to try the top-feeding tank. The top-feeding tank has an opaque cover that makes it impossible for the fish to see each other, so they will stop fighting. You can even put a lid on the top of the tank to make it look like a bowl.

How can I prevent my goldfish from fighting?

Even if you keep your goldfish in separate tanks, the two fish will still bump into each other as they are playing in the tank. If it’s only a couple of bumps, they will stop after a few minutes and swim away. But, if they are fighting frequently with hits to their heads and fins, you need to do something more drastic or your fish may end up injured or dead.

If you have a pond, you can try to reduce the aggressive behavior by removing the rocks and decorations while also adding more swimming room. If your aquarium is overcrowded, try adding something that will increase the swimming area like a tall plant or a bubble wall. The fish may not see each other as much if they have a new toy to play with. Adding lots of toys and keeping them moving will keep your goldfish active and tiring themselves out faster, which will help prevent fighting.

If your goldfish are fighting frequently, you may need to get them some company. It can be difficult to tell the gender of goldfish, but you can try adding a few more fish into their tank or pond. If they have someone to play with, they will stop fighting for territory and may even start breeding.

How do I care for my injured fighting fish?

It’s normal for fish to get into fights from time to time. But, if they are fighting often and hurt each other, you will need to treat them. There are many different types of medication that can help your fish recover from injuries. You can take your fish to a veterinarian or look online for information about the best medication for fighting goldfish.