Fishing for facts

Published July 14, 2026
Fishing for facts

DO GOLDFISH HAVE A PURPOSE?

One would hope so, but for those goldfish who swim continuous circles in a glass bowl, one would assume not. We've been told, and most people believe, that a goldfish has a 3 second memory. How did the supplier of this information come by this theory? Can he/she "talk to the animals"/read bubble language or perhaps intuit factual fish 'foughts'? 

It seems a very boring life so I did some research:  Here's what Mr Ai came up with.
  • Lifespan: While often short-lived in small bowls, well-cared-for goldfish can easily live 10 to 15 years, with some living up to 40 years. 
  • No Stomachs: Goldfish lack a stomach and instead process food through their intestines, which means they need to eat small amounts frequently. 
  • Massive Growth: Though aquarium varieties usually stay 2 to 8 inches long, common goldfish and comets can reach 12 to 14 inches and need large tanks or ponds to thrive. 
  • Group Name: A group of goldfish is called a "glint" or a "troubling." 
  • Colour Changes: Goldfish can change colour based on their age and the amount of light they receive, and their colour can even appear paler at night or in dim light. 

    • Like many species of God's creation we supreme beings tend to overlook what we don't understand. Yet every living thing was created and put on this earth for a reason. What is the purpose of a goldfish? I don't know. But having watched David Attenborough's amazing research on TV I'm assured God does nothing without a reason. The balance of this world is determined by cherishing each and every species, plant and ocean. It's hard to comprehend He would design goldfish just for the delight of small children but the proof is in the circular glass bowl. I recall, as a child, returning from McKenzies in Takapuna with my mum and sister, carrying a live goldfish in a plastic bag. They usually got home intact - just the infrequent spillage! If God only made goldfish for small children it shows His infinite grace for every man, woman and child He created for His pleasure. 

    HE IS AN AWESOME GOD! Do I hear an amen?

    by Jo Warner