Do Goldfish Like Sunlight?

Goldfish remain an inexpensive pet for first-time fish owners; the gold and orange-colored critters can live approximately five to 10 years in a fish bowl or tank. In outdoor ponds, goldfish can live 15 to 20 years. While owners may believe that sunlight promotes health in goldfish, sunlight can actually prove a deadly influence on the tank environment. Owners can take steps to reduce the sunlight in a tank.

  1. Why Sunlight Harms Goldfish

    • Sunlight can prove detrimental in a bowl or tank environment in multiple ways. Sunlight encourages algae growth, which can disrupt the acidity in your pet's environment. It can also lead to a toxic rise in water temperature. Keep a tank or bowl in a shaded area, out of the way of direct sunlight. If goldfish dwell in outdoor locales, ensure that its home receives cover from trees to reduce algae growth and high temperatures.

    Signs of Distress from Sunlight

    • Algae growth and high temperatures in the water can promote illness in your goldfish. A distressed goldfish may swim along the top of the water, and they may show symptoms like of bloating or lumps, swimming in an unusual way or avoiding food. If a fish swims to the water's surface, the water temperature is likely too high. Move the bowl or tank to a shaded, cool room immediately. Cover the tank or bowl with a towel to reduce the effect of sunlight. Place a bag of ice cubes into the water to quickly reduce temperature. Remove the bag when water cools.

    Taking care of Algae

    • Some algae growth in the tank or bowl is part of a natural and healthy environment that will encourage a long life for your goldfish. Excessive algae growth, however, can cause your goldfish to become ill and sometimes die. Perform partial water changes in the bowl or tank at least once a week. Remove left-over food from the bowl or tank after a few minutes if the fish does not eat to avoid algae production. Keeping water cool can reduce and prevent harmful algae growth. Avoid cleaning materials that may disrupt the acidity balance in the bowl or tank.

    Healthy Environments for Goldfish

    • A stable water temperature remains very important for goldfish health. Keep a thermometer, available at most pet stores, in the animal's water. Temperatures between 65 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit provide a healthy environment for a goldfish. Temperatures should not exceed 73 degrees Fahrenheit. Rapid changes in water temperature or rapid changes outside of a healthy range can prove fatal to a Goldfish. A somewhat shaded, room-temperature environment remains best for goldfish health.