Goldfish constantly demanding food

[Obsidian]

The first thing I would do is feed peas, that will help with any constipation issues. You might want to add garlic to the antiparasite meds as those tend to taste bad and the fish can get picky.

And for those who are talking about the "catfish" she said in her very first post that it is a bristlenosed catfish

[greedygoldie]

Originally Posted by phlyergirl I think if he had internal parasites you would see poop but it would be long and stringy and white. I wouldn't rush to medicate just because your goldfish is acting like a greedy gus. That is kind of what they do.

Okay, but I'm more worried this morning because the remaining zebra suddenly went sort of crazy last night, swimming madly and crashing into the tank wall like a maniac, then it went to hide in one of the ornaments, and this morning it has disappeared altogether. I don't know if this is connected (bearing in mind it was one of the "original" tank gang - so would now be at least three years old, possibly 3 and a half).

And the other three goldfish have copied Scotty's bad example and are now begging with him, trying to eat gravel etc!!!

[greedygoldie]

Originally Posted by Obsidian The first thing I would do is feed peas, that will help with any constipation issues. You might want to add garlic to the antiparasite meds as those tend to taste bad and the fish can get picky. And for those who are talking about the "catfish" she said in her very first post that it is a bristlenosed catfish

Thanks Obsidian - I would never have thought of peas. Sorry to be so thick, but do I cook them first?

[bmlbytes]

The best way to cook peas for your fish is to blanch them.

Skin the frozen peas. When they are frozen, it is real easy to remove the skin from them. Boil some water. Drop the peas in the water after it is boiling. Boil for 2 minutes. Remove the peas and run under cold water.

This will soften the peas so it is easier for your fish to eat.

[emc7]

More than likely he is just greedy. You would see signs of illness like hiding, clamped fins, shimmering or swimming funny or a sinking belly if it were sick. But it is something to watch for.

[phlyergirl]

On the zebra, I assume you mean zebra danio? One, three years old is pretty old for one of those. Second, his behavior might be because he's stressed out by being without a school. Third, depending how big your goldfish are, they might be trying to eat him.

Picking at the gravel, sucking up a piece and spitting it out is normal goldfish behavior.

[Obsidian]

I've even smashed the peas up once cooked so that it's even easier to eat, but you don't want them squishy, just firm but soft.

[greedygoldie]

Phew! Danni the zebra fish (yes, zebra danio) has reappeared. I can imagine it might be stressed as the two of them were inseparable. I'll buy another one as soon as I can.

I put some peas into the tank - the goldfish just ignored them initially but I see they are all gone now. However, it's possible the catfish have eaten them. I'll put some more in tonight instead of their usual flaked food and see what transpires

I have just taken some pics of our tank gang - apologies for being a really bad photographer - first one is Scotty, second is Big Daddy (one of our original catfish - you don't often see him out of that tunnel!) and third is Scotty with two of the other goldfish. Hope the attachments worked ...

[greedygoldie]

Thanks again for all your help from me and the

[PostShawn]

Peas usually help cure my goldfish when similar problems occur. It's not a cure for everything but it's good to feed them peas every once in a while.

They will always be begging for food. They are scavengers and will scavenge the bottom and anywhere they think food comes from all day long. I just feed mine 1-2 times a day and they still will look at you saying feed me. Some great info in this thread about goldfish so just follow what people are saying and your fish should be fine.

Good luck.