How to Feed Lionhead Goldfish

The lionhead goldfish, or Carassius auratus auratus, earned its name because of the distinctive hooded growth on its head and face area. The combination of the hood and its cumbersome body shape may impede both the fish's movement and its vision. The lionhead therefore requires more attention during feedings than a standard goldfish, whose food can be randomly dropped into the fish bowl. Lionheads can eat flaked food, pellets or vegetables, but you may need to feed them by hand or from a food clip to ensure they can find and eat their food each day.

Things You'll Need

  • Fish food flakes or pellets
  • Small pieces of cooked vegetables
  • Food clip or cone (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Ask the fish specialist at your pet store which variety of food they recommend for your lionhead goldfish. Be sure to ask how often your fish needs to be fed; once daily is the typical schedule. You may have to try several different feeding methods to find the one that works best for your fish.

    • 2

      Drop larger pellets into the tank near the lionhead in the same location each day. This is the simplest feeding method for your goldfish. If the fish finds and eats the food without problems, continue using this method. If, after several days, this method does not work, try hand-feeding your lionhead.

    • 3

      Read the feeding instructions on the fish food container. Wash and rinse your hands. Using your fingers, pick up the recommended amount of flakes or number of pellets. Hold them in your fingers just under the surface of the water. Allow the fish to come toward the food, then release it so the fish can sense or see it.

    • 4

      Use a food cone or clip for fish who do not adapt to the hand-feeding method. Both attach easily to the inside of the tank with a suction cup. Add a large piece of vegetable to the clip feeder. Cone feeders work best with pellets and some live food. Place the food into the cone; the food will drop gradually from the cone into the tank, allowing the fish time to locate it.