What is the Difference Between Catfish and Goldfish?

What is the Difference Between Catfish and Goldfish?
What is the Difference Between Catfish and Goldfish?

Catfish vs. Goldfish

Catfish and goldfish are both wonderful fish for pets. They both have their place in the world, and both remain some of the most popular fish across the globe for various reasons. There are a few key differences that people need to learn about catfish and goldfish before diving into the world of popular fish species.

Size

Size is one of the key differences in these fish. Goldfish are known to grow rather large, with some of them exceeding over eighteen inches. It is said that they will grow to meet the size of their environment, hence why some of them in the wild is so large.

Catfish, on the other hand, are known to grow much larger. Some of these fish can grow up to six feet long and weigh well over fifty pounds. The catfish family is so large and diverse that a person can easily find a fish of any size when they are looking for a catfish.

Diet

Both fish also have very different diets. Goldfish will eat flakes and pellets of fish food that are made specifically for them. Most species of goldfish will also enjoy some brine shrimp, shelled peas or a few bloodworms. This makes them relatively easy to care for.

Catfish do not have a specific diet as goldfish do. Catfish pellets are available at most pet stores that sell this species, but there are so many different catfish in the family it is impossible to give them one broad diet. Some catfish are bottom feeders and will require sinking pellets. Others prefer to eat algae, and some of them prefer plants over fish food. Then, there are those that will aggressively eat any other fish in the tank. In order to determine a diet for a catfish, it is important to research the specific type of catfish.

Temperament

Both fish have very different temperaments. Goldfish are known for being a peaceful fish. Often, they are seen swimming lazily in the aquarium. They are not known for attacking other fish.

Catfish often have varied temperaments depending on the species of fish. Some of these fish families will not attack another fish. Instead, their shy temperament keeps them in hiding most of the time. There are also fish that are on the other end of the spectrum. These species of fish are known for attacking other fish in the aquarium, and special care must be taken to guarantee that every fish in the community is safe.

Leave a Comment