The Myth of the Three-Second Memory
Despite the popular and also oft-repeated rumor that goldfish only have the memory of an average TikTok clip, specialist research has shown that they can actually remember things for much longer than you might think – stretching to at least three to five months. They have been proven to be able to learn to:
- Recognise their owners and familiar people.
- Distinguish between a wide variety of different colors and sounds.
- Navigate mazes to find food.
They Live Much Longer Than You Might Think
It is true that in a small bowl, a goldfish might only last a few months. This is normally due to poor water quality as the water requires much more regular and filtration due to the level of waste they produce. However, in a proper environment, they can actually turn out to be long-term companions.
- Average Lifespan: 10–15 years in a tank.
- Record Breaker: A goldfish named Tish lived to be 43 years old.
They Don’t Have Stomachs
True fact – Goldfish are “physostomes,” meaning they dont actually have a proper stomach. Instead, they have an elongated intestinal tract. This means they digest food constantly as it passes through their system, which is why they produce so much waste, and is also why they are always acting hungry.
Size is Determined by Environment (Sort Of)
While it’s true that goldfish release hormones that can stunt their growth in small spaces, they don’t actually “stop growing.” In a large pond or lake, a common goldfish can easily over time go on to reach lengths of 12 to 14 inches. Keeping them in a tiny bowl often causes internal organs to continue growing while the body stays small, which is sadly fatal.
They Can See More Colors Than Humans
Humans have trichromatic vision which is based on their ability to see red, green, and blue. However, Goldfish are what is known as tetrachromatic. This means that they possess a fourth type of cone cell in their eyes that also allows them to see ultraviolet light. This helps them find food and navigate in murky water.
No Eyelids, No Problem
Goldfish cannot close their eyes. They don’t actually have any eyelids, as a consequence you will find that they “sleep” by hovering in one spot, usually near the bottom of the tank, with their eyes wide open. They prefer total darkness during this time to get a good rest.
Fun Fact: Goldfish were originally domesticated from wild carp in ancient China over 1,000 years ago. Back then, they were a symbol of luck and fortune, and only the imperial family was allowed to keep the yellow (gold) variety.
