Some of the animals known to eat goldfish include:
- Aquatic Birds: Herons, egrets, kingfishers, and some species of ducks.
- Larger Fish: Bass, pike, catfish, and trout.
- Amphibians: Frogs and toads.
- Reptiles: Turtles, alligators, and crocodiles.
- Mammals: In certain locations, otters, raccoons, and even house cats might hunt and eat goldfish.
In their native environment in China, goldfish were part of the natural ecosystem, with predators like birds and larger fish controlling their populations. However, as introduced species in many other regions, goldfish can sometimes disrupt ecosystems by outcompeting native fish for food and resources, and becoming overpopulated in the presence of fewer natural predators.