"Sleep with the fishes." You've certainly heard this phrase from "The Godfather" (it's an old Sicilian message). But this different type of "sleep" has nothing to do with the topic of this article which is "Do goldfish sleep?"
So do they really sleep?
The answer is that goldfish do sleep, but not in the same way we do. Goldfish sleep is more like “resting”.
How do you know if your fish are sleeping?
If there is quiet time (usually at night), you may notice your goldfish at the bottom of the aquarium all comfy among some plants or rocks. Don’t be fooled, many think fish are always awake because they do not have eyelids. However, this is a myth and you can consider it busted. Actually, if you look closely you will notice goldfish lose some luster and color when they are asleep at night.
For goldfish to grow to their full potential and have the best color they can develop, it is not only important that they get sufficient exercise but they must be sure to get their beauty rest as well. To make sure your fish get their rest, turn off the light during evening hours and let your fish sleep.
If you choose to leave the light on, the goldfish will either sleep for shorter periods of time or even largely go without rest.
So what can lack of sleep result in?
Less active fish
Less vibrant color
Shorter life-spans
No one would want to be a direct reason or cause of harm to their little goldfish, so this is definitely something to give attention.
Just like you, Goldfish need to get some shut-eye too. When taking care of your dear Goldie it is important to shut the tank light off at night so that they can get some sleep too.
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