Goldfish are popular indoor and outdoor pets, whether they are swimming in a pond outside or floating around in a tank in your home, they can be a great low maintenance pet to have. Below we answer common questions about the sleeping habits of goldfish!
How Often Do Goldfish Sleep? Do Goldfish Sleep Every day?
Goldfish require rest just as much as most humans and mammals do. Goldfish sleep every day but sometimes it’s hard to notice as goldfish sleep with their eyes open. Goldfish do not have eyelids, so although they may look awake, they actually may be sleeping!
Do Goldfish Sleep Upside Down?
Goldfish do not sleep upside down. When you see your goldfish upside down it is most commonly due to a disease called “Swim Bladder Disorder” or it can be due to other various forms of illness. Other causes may include parasites, bacteria related infections, tank stress or minor/major physical damage. If the issue is bacteria related it is very important that you clean your tank and replace its water to avoid any complications with other fish in your tank system.
What Do Goldfish Look Like When They Sleep? Do Goldfish Sleep On Their Side?
When a goldfish is sleeping it will hover in a stationary position, usually near a fish tank decoration or lower in your fish tank, while your goldfish is sleeping it will remain in an upright position as it normally would while being awake. When a fish is ill or has disease within its swim bladder (the organ that helps them stay buoyant and upright) they can begin to float upside down, on their side, or at a tilt. This can also lead to swimming difficulties due to lack of balance control.
Unlike humans and most mammals, goldfish do not lay down to sleep. They instead become less active, staying in one place while moving slowly to keep themselves balanced. The color of your goldfish may fade slightly when they are sleeping due to a lower heart rate and decreased blood flow, the lack of their natural color also helps as a self-defense mechanism to help hide from predators while they sleep. Don’t fret, this fading of color will return to normal once they are awakened.
How Many Hours Do Goldfish Sleep? Do Goldfish Take Naps? How Long Do Goldfish Sleep?
Goldfish have varying sleep requirements depending on the species and size of the gold fish in question, on average goldfish will sleep around 12 hours per day or anywhere between 10-14 hours per day. It is not uncommon for your goldfish to take a nap throughout the day when they are tired. If you notice your goldfish not moving much and hovering in one place, odds are he or she is taking a snooze!
Is My Goldfish Sleeping Or Dying? Is My Goldfish Sick?
When a fish is upside down, laying on its side, or leaning in a certain direction, this can be a major sign that your fish is not sleeping but actually sick or ill. Fish stay balanced whilst sleeping, it is not normal to see your fish in a position that is unlike a normal awakened position.
The key difference between a goldfish when its awake vs. when its asleep is lack of movement. Another sign that your goldfish’ health is at risk is swimming on its side, floating near the top of your tank, uncontrollable fluctuations of movement, leaning excessively, and sudden or frequent moments of losing balance or being inactive.
When Do Goldfish Sleep? Do Goldfish Sleep At Night Or In The Day?
Goldfish tend to follow a sleeping pattern that revolves around quieter and darker parts of their day. It is noted that some goldfish typically sleep at night while others don’t, depending on the above patterns of their day. Goldfish sleep like other animals and even humans, it’s easier for them to sleep when its quiet as they can easily be startled and be awakened by loud or abrupt noises and movements. If your tank has lights in it or on it, be sure to turn them off for at least 12 hours a day so your goldfish has enough time to rest.
If you notice your goldfish hiding in a tank decoration or plants don’t worry its most likely because they are seeking a darker spot to rest. If you turn your tank lights on and off on a schedule it is likely that your goldfish’ sleep pattern will follow.
Do Goldfish Dream?
It is unknown whether or not goldfish, or even fish in general, can dream, but it is unlikely. What is known about goldfish dreaming is that Goldfish do not experience REM sleep (the sleep pattern that enables dreaming & deep sleep) As their brainwaves tend to stay the same while they sleep it is expected that they are unable to dream while sleeping.
What Happens When Fish Don’t Get Enough Sleep?
Just like humans and mammals, fish need to sleep in order to maintain optimal health, organ functionality, and to restore lost energy spent while awake. If fish – including goldfish – don’t rest properly they can lose the ability to function properly and fight off illness and infections. It is important to remember this and turn off your tanks lighting system for at least 12 hours every single day!
