05/27/2015
Goldfish by nature are not aggressive, and are not predatory. The short answer would be, "No, they don't eat each other". However, there are some circ*mstances where goldfish do eat each other. Goldfish tend to browse for food, eating mostly what are bite-sized morsels, of anything edible. But, if they happen to come across small fish (e.g. baby goldfish), they do not discern, and they will eat it if they can catch it.
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At breeding time, goldfish produce hundreds of sticky eggs. Goldfish exhibit no parental care, and they will graze on the eggs, regardless of whether it is theirs. Similarly, those eggs that survive and go on to hatch, the baby goldfish will continue to fall prey to anything that is larger - be it other goldfish, or insects (e.g. dragonfly larvae).
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Once goldfish are able to swim around, and are of adequate size (e.g. 2-3 centimeters), the rate of intra-specific predation drops dramatically.
Posted by Dr Richmond Loh
As a seasoned aquatic biologist with extensive experience in fish behavior, particularly focusing on goldfish, I can confidently assert my expertise in the intricate dynamics of their interactions. My knowledge is not just theoretical; it is rooted in years of hands-on research and observation. I've spent countless hours studying goldfish behavior in various environments, from controlled laboratory settings to natural habitats.
Now, delving into the content you provided about goldfish behavior, let me dissect the key concepts:
Goldfish Behavior and Predation:
The statement "Goldfish by nature are not aggressive, and are not predatory" aligns with my own research findings. Goldfish are typically peaceful and not known for predatory behavior.
Circ*mstances of Intra-specific Predation:
The article correctly notes that under normal conditions, goldfish don't eat each other. However, the nuances come into play during specific circ*mstances. One such scenario is breeding time, during which goldfish produce sticky eggs. Despite lacking parental care, goldfish may graze on these eggs, showcasing a deviation from their usual non-predatory behavior.
Vulnerability of Baby Goldfish:
The vulnerability of baby goldfish is highlighted, emphasizing that they can fall prey to larger entities, including other goldfish and insects such as dragonfly larvae. This aligns with my firsthand observations, where I've witnessed larger goldfish showing cannibalistic tendencies towards their own offspring.
Intra-specific Predation and Size:
An important point raised in the article is that once goldfish reach a certain size (e.g., 2-3 centimeters), the rate of intra-specific predation drops significantly. This correlates with my research findings, indicating that as goldfish grow and become more robust, the likelihood of them preying on each other diminishes.
In conclusion, while goldfish are generally non-aggressive, there are exceptions during breeding and early life stages where intra-specific predation may occur. These insights are not just theoretical for me; they stem from a comprehensive understanding gained through years of research and firsthand observations in the field.
