Why Do Goldfish Jump Out of Their Tank?

To the caring goldfish owner, few sights are more alarming than that of a fish lying outside of the tank, gasping for air or dead. Your goldfish may jump out of his tank for a variety of reasons, and it is seldom possible to determine precisely what has prompted this seemingly suicidal act. You can, however, take a number of precautions to keep your fish safe and happy in his home.

  1. Water Temperature

    • Goldfish do best in water temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees. As water temperatures rise, goldfish become more active. If the water is too warm, your goldfish may jump from his tank either accidentally, due to increased activity, or in an instinctive attempt to reduce body temperature. Try to maintain a constant water temperature and avoid placing your tank in direct sunlight or close to heating appliances.

    Water Quality

    • Dirty tank water is unlikely to hold sufficient oxygen for goldfish to thrive, and it has enough waste ammonia present to become harmful to your fish. The Goldfish Sanctuary suggests that poor water quality may cause a fish to leap from a tank in an effort to survive. The website recommends changing about a third of the water once a week. Further steps you can take to maintain water quality include installing ̵1; and maintaining ̵1; a suitable filter and ensuring your tank is large enough for its inhabitants.

    Behavior

    • During your goldfish's lifetime, certain events and situations could occur that might increase the likelihood of jumping. For example, until a goldfish becomes settled in a new environment, stress or excitement may cause the goldfish to jump from a tank. You are also at some risk of losing a goldfish during breeding, when the males excitedly chase the females around the tank. According to Goldfish-Emergency.com, this frenzied activity may cause a goldfish to inadvertently leap out of the water.

    Health

    • A goldfish that experiences discomfort due to parasitic infestation or other disorder may swim around the tank more erratically than usual. The more uncontrolled, jerky or frantic the fish's movements become, the greater the likelihood of the goldfish unintentionally jumping out of the water. Regularly observe your fish for any changes in behavior or appearance and refer any concerns to an aquatic expert or veterinarian.

    Protective Measures

    • By looking after your goldfish's environment, you can do much to minimize the risk of your goldfish jumping out of his water. However, you can be certain of preventing such incidents only if you provide a cover for your tank. A vented cover or netting will provide protection while ensuring that surface oxygen is not restricted. As an interim measure, until you can fit an appropriate cover, ensure that the water level is at least 2 inches below the rim of the tank.