Do Salamanders Eat Goldfish?

Goldfish are well-known aquarium pets, admired for their bright colors and graceful swimming. Many people who keep or observe salamanders near or in water wonder if these amphibians will eat goldfish.

The short answer is yes. Some salamander species, particularly larger aquatic or semi-aquatic ones, will eat goldfish if the opportunity arises. Salamanders are opportunistic predators that will consume any prey small enough to catch and swallow.

Which Salamanders Might Eat Goldfish?

Not all salamanders will eat goldfish. The species most likely to prey on goldfish tend to be aquatic or semi-aquatic and large enough to handle fish as part of their diet. These include:

• Axolotls: These fully aquatic salamanders have wide mouths and strong jaws suitable for catching small fish. Using a suction technique, axolotls consume worms, tadpoles, insects, and small fish.
• Tiger Salamanders: Especially the aquatic juvenile form, which is more likely to feed on fish.
• Hellbenders: Large aquatic salamanders native to North America, capable of eating small fish. Hellbenders eat primarily crayfish and fish, but have been known to occasionally eat insects, tadpoles, and other prey.
• Mudpuppies: Another large aquatic salamander that may eat small fish if available.

These salamanders can catch and swallow small fish whole thanks to their wide mouths and sharp teeth.

How Do Salamanders Catch Fish?

Salamanders generally hunt through stealth and sudden movements. Aquatic species often stay motionless, blending into their environment and waiting for prey to approach.

Once a small fish like a goldfish fry comes close enough, the salamander uses a rapid snap of its jaws to capture it. The prey is then swallowed whole because salamanders do not chew their food.

This hunting method works best with slower, smaller fish that cannot escape quickly.

What Size of Goldfish Is at Risk?

Only small goldfish, usually less than two inches in length, are at risk of being eaten by salamanders. These are often young goldfish or fry.

Adult goldfish tend to be too large for salamanders to capture or swallow. Their size, strength, and swimming speed make them safe from predation by most salamanders.

When goldfish grow beyond this vulnerable size, they become less of a threat or food source for salamanders.

Can Salamanders and Goldfish Live Together?

Many aquarium enthusiasts consider housing salamanders and goldfish in the same tank, but there are risks involved.

Because salamanders may view small goldfish as food, keeping them together can lead to predation. To reduce risk, consider the following:

• Ensure the goldfish are large enough to avoid being eaten.
• Provide plenty of hiding places for both animals to reduce encounters.
• Maintain water conditions that suit the needs of both species.

Despite these precautions, many experts advise against housing salamanders and goldfish together because the risk of predation and stress is high.

Additionally, goldfish produce a significant amount of waste that can degrade water quality, which may not suit sensitive salamanders.

Are Goldfish Good Food for Salamanders?

Goldfish can provide a nutritious meal for salamanders, as they are a source of animal protein and fat, both important for growth and energy.

However, feeding live fish regularly to salamanders is generally discouraged for several reasons:

• Live fish can carry diseases or parasites that may infect the salamander.
• Goldfish release waste that can quickly pollute the water, affecting the health of both animals.
• Feeding live fish may promote aggressive behavior in salamanders, leading to injury.

Therefore, while goldfish can be part of a salamander’s diet in the wild or occasionally in captivity, they are not an ideal or regular food choice.

Alternatives to Goldfish in a Salamander’s Diet

Healthy salamanders can thrive on a diet that includes a variety of safe, nutritious, and manageable foods.

Some better alternatives to feeding goldfish include:

• Earthworms: Soft, high in protein, and widely available.
• Bloodworms: These aquatic larvae are nutritious and commonly used as feeder food. Nearly all axolotls love bloodworms and brine shrimp.
• Crickets: Easy to digest and rich in protein.
• Small shrimp: Provide moisture and nutrients suitable for aquatic or semi-aquatic salamanders.
• Aquatic insect larvae: Like mosquito larvae or blackworms, excellent natural prey. 

These options are safer, easier to source, and less likely to cause health or environmental problems in captive settings.

How to Feed Salamanders Safely

When feeding salamanders, especially aquatic species, it is important to:

• Choose prey items that are appropriate in size. Prey should not be larger than the salamander’s head to avoid choking.
• Offer a variety of foods to provide balanced nutrition and prevent dietary deficiencies.
• Avoid overfeeding live fish due to the risks mentioned earlier.
• Keep the enclosure clean and monitor water quality regularly to maintain a healthy environment.

By following these guidelines, salamanders can enjoy a varied and nutritious diet that supports their health.

Conclusion

Salamanders, especially large aquatic and semi-aquatic species such as axolotls, tiger salamanders, hellbenders, and mudpuppies, do eat small goldfish if available.

They rely on stealth and quick strikes to catch fish small enough to swallow whole. However, adult goldfish are usually too large and fast to be prey.

Housing goldfish and salamanders together in captivity is generally not recommended due to predation risk, water quality concerns, and stress for both animals.

Instead of feeding live goldfish regularly, safer and more practical options like earthworms, bloodworms, crickets, and aquatic insect larvae should be used.

These alternatives are easier to manage, provide balanced nutrition, and help maintain a healthy environment for your salamanders.