Will a goldfish turn white if you leave it in the dark?

Question

i am doing a science fair project to see if goldfish will turn white if they are kept in the dark

Answer 1

I doubt it,

Water Quality and diet would probably effect it most. I have two white goldfish, bought them along with other goldfish.

They are fed the same food, kept in the same tank. Just the way some fish are but then again goldfish do change colours sometimes


I Guess You Should Try It Out And See!!!

Would probably depend on the individual fish though :P

Answer 2

If you're doing a science fair project, shouldn't you do the research? Or are you going to mention us as your bibliography?

I assume they will fade color slightly in the dark, but not completely turn white. This happens with my fish when I turn off the lights at night and then turn then back on later in the night. This is because at night, they want to fade their colors so they can be "invisible" to other predators. Good luck with your science experiment!

P.S.-PLEASE do not keep your goldfish in a bowl. Comet (regular) goldfish can grow up to 2 feet and require no less than a 55 gallon tank with excellent filtration. Fancy Goldfish can grow up to a foot and need no less than 20 gallons with excellent filtration.

ZTM

Answer 3

No, it won't... Goldfish do not get their coloration from the light, so as long as they are still fed the same food and have clean water, they should not appear different than if they were in a well lit tank.

If you're doing the project, why do you need to ask us?

Soop Nazi

EDIT: Fish fade colors when it is dark because they are resting. It is not an attempt to appear "invisible". They do it because they are conserving their energy, therefore, lowering their heart rate. Lowering their heart rate lowers the amount of blood their pigment cells receive, leading to less coloration. The minute you bring the fish into the light again, it will regain its color as it "wakes up".

Answer 4

Wow, everyone is thumbs downing people for saying they will turn white! BUT, In my experience as a goldfish breeder, the less light they have the lighter they will turn. I live in a very warm climate now and leaving my tank lights on makes the water to hot. I have actually noticed over the last year my bright gold goldfish is turning a very light color. It's sad to because he was so pretty.

Answer 5

The pigment in goldfish is released depending on ultraviolet rays, very such as a human getting a tan. The more suitable photo voltaic, or synthetic gentle it really is similiar to photo voltaic, the more suitable wealthy their colour. i did not understand they could get that diminished that directly although. :)

Answer 6

Obviously not, because it's dark. To be logical, the goldfish will also look dark.

Answer 7

I don't know but it seems a bit mean. Poor little fishy probably would like some light.

Answer 8

Nope its just illusion.

Answer 9

yes the goldie needs rays to produce the orange pigment

Answer 10

i don't think so
but then again i've never tried it