Do goldfish need light? Well, how would you like to be kept in the dark?!

Like most animals, goldfish would not be healthy if permanently kept in dark conditions.

Unlike some fish that live deep in the sea, wild goldfish live in lakes and rivers. These relatively shallow waters are often illuminated by quite bright daylight. Therefore, the lighting conditions in your aquarium should replicate this natural environment as closely as possible.

What if goldfish live in the dark?

Your fish’s color could start to fade if your tank is in a dark place. Goldfish have even been known to turn an unhealthy white color when they don’t get enough light.

Lighting changes let your fish know whether it’s currently day or night. How well your goldfish sleeps, how much they eat, and even their behavior will all be affected by a lack of light.

To add light to your fish tank, purchase an aquarium light.

Can goldfish have too much light?

While it is important to make sure that your fish gets enough light, you should also make sure they don’t get too much!

For instance, you should never place a goldfish tank in direct sunlight. The heat from the sun will cause the water to heat up and the strong light will encourage the growth of algae.

Also, just like too little light could confuse your goldfish into thinking it’s always night time, too much light will make your goldfish think it’s always day. This will throw off your fish’s sleeping, eating and behavior just as badly.

Do I need an aquarium light for my goldfish tank?

If your tank is in a poorly lit area – or if you want to grow live plants, such as hornwort – then it would be a good idea to include a light in your aquarium. Click here to browse aquarium lights on Amazon. Some, like this one, adjust to fit a variety of tanks.

Remember to switch off your aquarium light at night, as this will replicate natural day/night cycles. Like humans, goldfish prefer to sleep in the dark.