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Believe it or not, there is some debate going on asking the question, “Can you eat goldfish or not?” Yes, I know what you are thinking, “People can be very weird at times!…” However, some people say goldfish are fine to eat, while others warn that they can be dangerous.
So, what’s the verdict? Can you eat goldfish or not? In this article, we’ll explore the topic in depth and help you decide for yourself.
Table of Contents
What Are Goldfish?
Goldfish are a type of carp. They’re related to koi, and they come in all sorts of colors, including red, orange, yellow, white, and black. Goldfish can grow up to 12 inches long, and they typically live for around 10 to 15 years. So there you have one point. They are pretty cute pets who can become your companions for a long time. They have got some sort of intelligence when compared to other fish, so they can recognize their caring owners. So there you have a couple of reasons why you should not eat your pet goldfish!
They’re a popular choice for fish keepers because they’re hardy and easy to care for. Goldfish can survive in water temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit, so they’re a good option for people who live in colder climates.
What Do Goldfish Eat?
Goldfish are omnivorous, which means they’ll eat just about anything. They’re not picky eaters. In the wild waters of eastern Asia, Prussian carp and crucian carp, which are the wild relatives of goldfish, feed on plants, algae, and small fish. But they’re also not above nibbling on dead things they find at the bottom of the water column.
In captivity, you can feed them a diet of flake food, pellets, frozen food, and live food (especially when they are young). Just make sure to keep the food size appropriate for their size; you don’t want to overfeed them and make them sick.
So, Are Goldfish Safe to Eat?
While many cuisines throughout the world consider other freshwater fish species to be popular, you might want to think carefully before even asking the question, “Can you eat goldfish?”
Goldfish are technically edible. But there are risks involved, whether you eat a goldfish raw or cooked. They are not the healthiest or tastiest fish option, and there’s a stigma against eating them.
Below we have listed the reasons why you shouldn’t eat your goldfish.
First of all you should not eat your pet!
Your goldfish will have a long, healthy, and happy life if you give them the attention, commitment, and environment they need to flourish. They eventually develop into real companion animals and may bring a lot of happiness into a person’s life. In addition to being stunning to look at, goldfish have a long and fascinating history of developing with humans. They make excellent pets and are robust and simple to care. While other fish are delicious to eat, goldfish unquestionably have greater value while they are alive.
Have you ever wondered about using tap water to fill your Goldie’s tank? Read this article –> Can Goldfish Live In Tap Water?
The Spiritual Value
The spiritual value of goldfish has always been quite strong, despite the fact that their wild cousins were originally raised for food. Fishermen kept any vividly colored goldfish they captured alive. In the 9th century they release these colorful fish into sanctuaries made in Buddhist temples. These are called “mercy ponds” and you can see them even today. The fish in these revered ponds were well-looked after by monks and guarded against raptors like birds, cats.
Goldfish Would Taste The Food They Eat!
Most likely, goldfish are not that appetizing. In other words, a pet goldfish would probably taste somewhat like fish flakes and pellets! Goldfish would taste like the foods that they consume!
Additionally, because goldfish are related to carp, they are susceptible to developing a muddy flavor.
Goldfish Carry Harmful pathogens
Additionally, goldfish are known to harbor a wide variety of dangerous germs that may be transmitted to humans. It is crucial to consider your options carefully before opting to eat a goldfish since these germs can spread whether the fish is consumed raw or cooked. Is it really worth the risk to try one when you know they aren’t especially pleasant, healthful, or even very safe to eat?
For an example, Mycobacteria, often known as Fish Tuberculosis, is a bacterium that may infect goldfish. Humans are susceptible to contracting this sickness. The bacteria can also remain latent within goldfish and do not alter the look of the fish. You wouldn’t be able to tell if the fish you are eating had this bacteria or not. Since this bacteria is probably able to withstand cooking, eating goldfish presents a greater health risk.
The pathogens live fish carry is the same reason why you shouldn’t use Goldfish or any other live fish as feeders for predatory fish as well. Again you shouldn’t let your pet cats or dogs eat your goldfish too, because they also can get infected as a result. There are lots of alternative pet foods in the market which are lot cheaper, so why taking the risk?
Preparing a Goldfish for Eating is Not Easy!
They are typically tiny compared to their carp cousins, with the exception of the biggest adult goldfish. Because there is so little flesh in a goldfish, trying to debone it and cook it would take a long time.
Conclusion
Goldfish make great pets for people who want to enjoy the beauty of aquatic life without the hassle of dealing with a full-sized aquarium. But what about when your goldfish get too big for their tank? So, can you eat goldfish?
No, you can’t! You shouldn’t eat your pet goldfish. Because owners aren’t meant to eat their beloved pets, whether they are fish, birds, or cats! Moreover, eating goldfish is unhealthy and should not be very appetizing. Goldfish may have parasites or germs that are extremely hazardous to your health (or your animals’). It may even be lethal in rare circumstances, so don’t do it!
Read the wiki article about Goldfish here.