As an owner of a red-eared slider (RES) turtle, you may be wondering if you can feed them goldfish from your aquarium. Goldfish are readily available, appetizing, and seem like they would make a nice treat for your red-eared slider turtle.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Yes, red-eared sliders can eat goldfish, but they should not be a regular part of their diet.
In this article, we will dive deeper into the pros and cons of feeding your red-eared slider turtles goldfish. We will cover whether it is safe, discuss risks with high thiamine goldfish, offer the best goldfish alternatives, and provide feeding guidelines so you can make the most informed decision.
Can Red-Eared Sliders Eat Goldfish Safely?
Goldfish Nutrition Profile
Goldfish can make a tasty snack for red-eared sliders, but they lack key nutrients these turtles need. While goldfish contain protein, they don’t have enough vitamin A or calcium that growing reptiles require (The Spruce Pets).
Adult red-eared sliders can go longer without these nutrients, but juveniles especially need vitamin A for proper shell growth and development.
Instead of goldfish, it’s better to feed red-eared sliders a varied diet including vegetables high in vitamins and minerals. Dark leafy greens like kale, collard greens, and turnip greens make excellent choices.
You can also try veggies like carrot slivers, red bell pepper slices, green beans, and zucchini pieces for additional nutrients.
Thiamine Concerns
There’s an additional risk of feeding goldfish. These fish contain thiaminase, an enzyme that breaks down vitamin B1, also called thiamine. Turtles that eats too many goldfish can develop a thiamine deficiency leading to neurological problems.
Symptoms of thiamine deficiency include:
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy and weakness
- Muscle tremors
- Swimming in circles or sideways
If a turtle’s thiamine levels stay low for too long, they may suffer permanent brain damage. It’s best not to offer goldfish as more than an occasional snack. Stick to healthier protein sources like earthworms, river shrimp, and aquatic snails.
While goldfish make a convenient turtle treat, the lack of proper nutrition makes them a poor staple food. It’s safer to feed your red-eared slider a balanced diet with veggies, insects, and vitamin supplements. This ensures they get all the nutrients they require for growth and health.
Best Fish Alternatives to Goldfish
Guppies
When considering fish tank mates for a red-eared slider, guppies can make a great option. These small, colorful fish are lively and active swimmers that will add visual interest to your turtle’s habitat. Guppies are omnivorous and generally won’t bother turtle hatchlings.
Their small size also makes them less likely to nip at your turtle or compete for food.
According to the popular aquatic pet site The Spruce Pets, guppies have a number of advantages over goldfish for turtle tanks:
- Guppies are hardy fish that can thrive in a variety of water conditions.
- They are very low maintenance when it comes to tank cleaning compared to messy goldfish.
- Guppies come in a rainbow of colors and patterns to liven up your tank décor.
The key is to provide some areas of dense vegetation for the guppies to hide and escape if needed. This allows for peaceful cohabitation with your red-eared slider.
Rosy Red Minnows
Another goldfish alternative to consider for your red-eared slider’s tank is the rosy red minnow. These freshwater fish are a color variant of the common fathead minnow. They get their name from the bright reddish hue of the males.
There are a few advantages to keeping rosy reds with red-eared sliders according to pet fish experts:
- Hardy nature allows them to handle a variety of water qualities.
- They stay small, with adults reaching 2-3 inches in length.
- Peaceful schooling fish that brings movement and liveliness.
The rosy red’s muted natural tones can also make an attractive contrast to your turtle’s vibrant red markings around the ears. As with guppies, provide some dense planted areas for hiding spots and refuge when needed.
Mollies
Mollies rank as one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish. Their hardiness, striking colors, and peaceful temperaments make them an excellent addition to a red-eared slider habitat.
Here’s an overview of reasons mollies can work well with red-eared sliders based on pet care sites like The Spruce Pets:
- Tolerant of a wide range of water conditions.
- Vibrant colors and varieties including black, gold, white, and orange.
- Generally ignore and avoid turtles.
- All females can store sperm and give birth to live young, leading to expanding schools!
When housed with red-eared sliders, the patterned teardrop tails and flowing fins of mollies can make a beautiful contrast. Just like with guppies or rosy reds, be sure to design some densely planted refuge areas peppered throughout the habitat.
Guidelines for Feeding RES Turtles Fish
How Often to Feed Fish
Red-eared slider turtles are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. Fish can be an excellent source of protein for RES turtles when fed properly and in moderation. Most experts recommend feeding fish to RES turtles 1-2 times per week at most.
Any more than that and you risk your turtle developing health issues like fatty liver disease. Here are some tips for determining how often to feed your RES turtle fish:
- Hatchlings (under 1 year old) – 1 time per week
- Juveniles (1-3 years old) – 1-2 times per week
- Adults (3+ years old) – 1-2 times per week
Pay attention to your particular turtle’s appetite. If they seem to be leaving fish uneaten, try cutting back to once weekly. It’s generally better to underfeed a little with fish rather than overfeed.
How Much to Feed
When it comes to fish, moderation is key. Follow these portion guidelines for RES turtles:
- Hatchlings – pieces the size of their head, around 1-2 pieces per feeding
- Juveniles – 2-3 pieces the size of their head per feeding
- Adults – 3-4 pieces the size of their head per feeding
Stick to these amounts even if your turtle acts hungry. Overfeeding protein can cause digestive issues and shell deformities in addition to fatty liver disease.
Supplementing a Varied Diet
While animal protein like fish is important, a diverse diet is ideal for red-eared sliders. Make sure you also offer veggies like lettuce, kale and carrots as well as occasional fruit treats. Here are some other ways to supplement a fish diet:
- Pellets or koi food 1-2 times per week
- Earthworms or mealworms 1 time per week
- Shrimp, crickets, or tadpoles occasionally as treats
A varied, balanced diet will help ensure your turtle stays healthy and active. Monitor them closely and adjust portions or frequency if they seem to gain or lose weight.
With proper moderation, fish can be a tasty and nutritious part of your red-eared slider’s diet! Just be careful not to overdo it, for their health and safety. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different protein sources to keep their meals exciting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while red-eared slider turtles can eat goldfish, they are far from an optimal choice. Goldfish do provide protein and fat, but better options exist without risky thiamine levels. Stick to more nutritional fish like guppies, minnows, and mollies in conservative amounts as occassional treats.
Be sure to round out your RES turtle’s diet with vegetables, fruits, and commercial pellets as well for the healthiest pet possible.