Plant-Based Foods:
* Algae: A major food source, particularly in their early stages.
* Aquatic plants: They nibble on a variety of aquatic plants, like water lilies, duckweed, and even moss.
* Seeds and fruits: Falling seeds and fruits that end up in the water.
* Decomposing plant matter: They scavenge on decaying plant material for nutrients.
Animal-Based Foods:
* Insects: They eagerly eat insects that fall into the water, as well as their larvae (like mosquito larvae).
* Small crustaceans: They'll eat small crustaceans like daphnia, copepods, and other small invertebrates.
* Worms: They'll readily consume earthworms and other types of worms that fall into the water.
* Smaller fish: Though not a primary food source, they will occasionally eat smaller fish or fish eggs if the opportunity arises.
Other Food Sources:
* Detritus: They scavenge on organic debris and decaying matter at the bottom of the riverbed.
* Zooplankton: They will filter small zooplankton from the water.
Important Note:
Wild river goldfish are omnivorous, meaning they eat a mixture of plant and animal matter. Their diet will vary depending on the availability of food in their specific location.
What they DON'T eat:
Wild river goldfish don't eat flakes, pellets, or other commercially prepared fish foods designed for domesticated goldfish. These foods lack the natural nutrients and fiber that wild goldfish need.
Impact of Wild Goldfish:
While adaptable, wild goldfish can be invasive and harmful to native ecosystems. They compete with native fish for food and resources, disrupt aquatic plant communities, and can introduce diseases into local populations.
In Conclusion:
Wild river goldfish are opportunistic feeders that adapt to their environment. They consume a diverse range of plant and animal matter, playing an important role in the food web, but also posing a threat to native ecosystems when introduced outside their natural range.