Handling Goldfish
There will come a time when you need to handle or move your Goldfish; during a water change, to move them to a hospital tank or to look at and diagnose illness.
If you do not need to remove your fish from the water - don't. If you are taking a photo, keep the fish submerged.
If you do not need to remove your fish from the water - don't. If you are taking a photo, keep the fish submerged.
How do I move a Goldfish?
This is something I get asked quite often. Nets are often used as a method of moving fish. Most people don't really even consider other alternatives... until they see someone holding their Goldfish. At this point, for most, alarm bells start ringing.
It's not what you think though, moving fish by hand is actually much safer than using nets. The potential for injury when using nets is massive as the fish thrash around, they also rub off their slime coat which protects them from all sorts of ailments.
For me, this is why it's so important that my fish are used to being handled. That's not to say "pick them up out the tank all of the time", but rather get your hands in there (after a good scrub with hot water!). During feeding time, maintenance or just for fun. Allow your fish to get used to your hands. When they're not seen as scary - fish will happily swim into your hands and won't get upset by being picked up and moved, should it be required
It's not what you think though, moving fish by hand is actually much safer than using nets. The potential for injury when using nets is massive as the fish thrash around, they also rub off their slime coat which protects them from all sorts of ailments.
For me, this is why it's so important that my fish are used to being handled. That's not to say "pick them up out the tank all of the time", but rather get your hands in there (after a good scrub with hot water!). During feeding time, maintenance or just for fun. Allow your fish to get used to your hands. When they're not seen as scary - fish will happily swim into your hands and won't get upset by being picked up and moved, should it be required
How to get Goldfish used to being handled
Give your hands a good scrub in hot water, to ensure they are clean. It is advised that you do not use soap to wash your hands prior to touching fish, or putting your hands near an aquarium. If you do, make sure you wash them like there's no tomorrow, to remove any traces of soap (or anything really!), that could be detrimental to the health of the aquarium.
Whenever your hands are in the tank, move them slowly. Don't startle the fish, just do your thing around them. They will get used to your hands being in the tank and not causing them harm. In time, they'll likely start to nibble and kiss your fingers.
Hand feeding is another great method and uses the conditioning technique. Hands = food = good stuff. Hold your hose food in the water, between your thumb and forefinger and allow the fish to nibble away.
Don't be afraid. They have pathetic teeth at the back of their throats and are huge softies that crave food and attention. They may suck a little firmly at times (love bites!), but they won't hurt you. Trust them and they will trust you.
Whenever your hands are in the tank, move them slowly. Don't startle the fish, just do your thing around them. They will get used to your hands being in the tank and not causing them harm. In time, they'll likely start to nibble and kiss your fingers.
Hand feeding is another great method and uses the conditioning technique. Hands = food = good stuff. Hold your hose food in the water, between your thumb and forefinger and allow the fish to nibble away.
Don't be afraid. They have pathetic teeth at the back of their throats and are huge softies that crave food and attention. They may suck a little firmly at times (love bites!), but they won't hurt you. Trust them and they will trust you.
How to handle Goldfish
Firmly and gently.
Some fish will need two hands, some will need one (it's always best to use your second hand as a but of protection too).
Get yourself prepared before you pick up your fish. Open the tank and ensure you cm have easy access. Make sure you can easily place the fish into wherever you're moving it to (I recommend a bucket nearby, then carry the bucket to the place you need to be and remove them, rather than running around the house with handfuls of Goldfish.
Reducing the water depth gives you more room for errors, should the fish want to try and leap from your hands. In time, you'll establish a trust and feel safe moving them, but at first it's best to cover all bases.
Remove toddlers, cats, dogs and odd shoes from the room. Anything that could get in your way. You don't want to find yourself flying head over heals with your beloved fish in your hands.
Gently guide your fish to somewhere you can get a good hold of them. I like to bring them to the surface, some use the side of the tank.
Get the fish so it's head is between your thumb and forefinger and it's caudal fin is sticking out the back, by your little finger. Slowly wrap your fingers around the fish, making sure to be gentle and not hold the gills closed. Whilst under water, your fish will remain relatively calm (mine don't flinch, they're used to it! Give it time).
Keeping their gills submerged, bring your free hand around the hand that is gently holding your fish and wrap your free hand around your Goldfish hand.
As you lift the fish, they may start to get a bit upset as they leave the water, but should soon calm. Get them back into water as quickly as possible. This is why I like to have a bucket by the side of the tank. Out and in, one swift movement. Gentle, firm, steady and fast.
My tiddlers fit into one hand easily, but I use the second as a "just in case". My larger guys need two hands, simply to hold them.
If you have big fish, position your fingers so all eight are on the belly and your thumbs are over the back, parallel to the dorsal, caudal handing out the back by your pinkies.
These are my methods of moving my fish. You may find another hold easier and safer for you. What works for you is best!
Some fish will need two hands, some will need one (it's always best to use your second hand as a but of protection too).
Get yourself prepared before you pick up your fish. Open the tank and ensure you cm have easy access. Make sure you can easily place the fish into wherever you're moving it to (I recommend a bucket nearby, then carry the bucket to the place you need to be and remove them, rather than running around the house with handfuls of Goldfish.
Reducing the water depth gives you more room for errors, should the fish want to try and leap from your hands. In time, you'll establish a trust and feel safe moving them, but at first it's best to cover all bases.
Remove toddlers, cats, dogs and odd shoes from the room. Anything that could get in your way. You don't want to find yourself flying head over heals with your beloved fish in your hands.
Gently guide your fish to somewhere you can get a good hold of them. I like to bring them to the surface, some use the side of the tank.
Get the fish so it's head is between your thumb and forefinger and it's caudal fin is sticking out the back, by your little finger. Slowly wrap your fingers around the fish, making sure to be gentle and not hold the gills closed. Whilst under water, your fish will remain relatively calm (mine don't flinch, they're used to it! Give it time).
Keeping their gills submerged, bring your free hand around the hand that is gently holding your fish and wrap your free hand around your Goldfish hand.
As you lift the fish, they may start to get a bit upset as they leave the water, but should soon calm. Get them back into water as quickly as possible. This is why I like to have a bucket by the side of the tank. Out and in, one swift movement. Gentle, firm, steady and fast.
My tiddlers fit into one hand easily, but I use the second as a "just in case". My larger guys need two hands, simply to hold them.
If you have big fish, position your fingers so all eight are on the belly and your thumbs are over the back, parallel to the dorsal, caudal handing out the back by your pinkies.
These are my methods of moving my fish. You may find another hold easier and safer for you. What works for you is best!
I'm scared, it's gross & I just can't touch them...
Don't worry. I'm sure we've all been there. Even now, when they touch me and I'm not expecting it, I get a little shiver down my spine. It seems so unnatural, I get it! Fish are also slimey and that can put people off, but I promise you, it really isn't as bad as you may think. Take your time. Time for you to get used to it, as well as them. Put your hand in the tank and let them coke to you. If you freak out, remove it. It's fine!
Whatever you do, I never want you to beat yourself up. Goldfish keeping has so many factors, we are all always learning. There are other options, so don't feel because you can't touch them that you're a terrible person. Ditch the net but try other methods!
Using a cup or tub is a great way of moving Goldfish without touching them or using a net. Gently guide the fish into the container, scoop them out and remove them.
See? You can move your Goldfish and not use a net, even if the thought of handling them freaks you out!
Touching your Goldfish can help you diagnose ailments and disease, so it is a useful tool. I do recommend trying your very hardest to handle them, even if you just get used to the idea. I'm sure if you really, really need to touch them - you will. But again, whatever you do, don't beat yourself up for feeling freaked out by touching fish. You certainly aren't alone!
Try your best, it's all you can do!
Whatever you do, I never want you to beat yourself up. Goldfish keeping has so many factors, we are all always learning. There are other options, so don't feel because you can't touch them that you're a terrible person. Ditch the net but try other methods!
Using a cup or tub is a great way of moving Goldfish without touching them or using a net. Gently guide the fish into the container, scoop them out and remove them.
See? You can move your Goldfish and not use a net, even if the thought of handling them freaks you out!
Touching your Goldfish can help you diagnose ailments and disease, so it is a useful tool. I do recommend trying your very hardest to handle them, even if you just get used to the idea. I'm sure if you really, really need to touch them - you will. But again, whatever you do, don't beat yourself up for feeling freaked out by touching fish. You certainly aren't alone!
Try your best, it's all you can do!
Syringe feeding a sick Goldfish.