What does Goldfish taste like? Really? Don’t worry. I am not here to judge. I will answer that question in a moment.

First, thank the Chinese for the goldfish, today’s most beloved aquarium staple. They were domesticated around 2,000 years ago to be ornamental fish.

Goldfish have been a symbol for luck and fortune for many millennia. They are now considered gourmet meals.

Let’s not go overboard, let’s just find out how these fish taste!

What Does Goldfish Taste Like?

Pet goldfish taste just like the food they eat. They will taste the food you give them, whether it’s pellets or flakes. Wild goldfish, on the other hand, are described as having a muggy taste. The goldfish are extremely bony fish. It would take a lot time to debone them and require a pair skilled hands.

Honestly, goldfish are not worth the effort. Please stick to trouts!

Additionally, I came across this Reddit post and I think I had a lot more fun than I should have.

Are you curious to know what the general opinion is on goldfish and whether or not it should be eaten?

Continue reading for more information!

What Does Goldfish Taste Like? Real Answers By Real People!

Note! All comments belong to their respective authors!

“Goldfish, which are bony, scavenging fish, have a reputation for having an unpleasant taste. However this can be removed by proper handling and cooking.”

If you decide to eat wild goldfish, they are as good as any freshwater fish. It is a bony fish with a muddy flavor. It’s not a trout-like fish, so don’t mistake it for one strong>

“I eat European Carp from River Murray. Therefore, I expect goldfish will taste the same. Roasted is the best way to cook them. Skinning will eliminate a lot of the taste from the fat, and not the flesh strong>

“Goldfish taste a lot like fish, which is because of the water they live with – mud and poop, all.”

You can eat them as trout or other fish, but they won’t taste like tuna.

Please don’t eat fish from aquariums. They are rarely suitable for human consumption. Most aquarium products prohibit the use of them on fish meant for human consumption strong>

“In reality, wild goldfish are not possible, except for those that duffers release in the wild as invasive species.” Prussian carp was used in the domestication of goldfish in ancient China. This is still used in many parts of the globe strong>

It seems that the public doesn’t support the idea of eating goldenfish. They are described as having a funky, muddy scent 9/10 times.

If you are still not convinced that eating goldfish is a good idea, continue reading!

Why Is It A Bad Idea To Eat Goldfish?

You’ll find fish such as salmon, tuna, trout and salmon on menus at many restaurants. Have you ever seen goldfish before? No. They aren’t the healthiest or tastiest fish you can eat.

• They taste bad.
• They’re too bony and it’s not worth the effort.
• They could be carriers of parasites.

Let’s take a closer look at these reasons below!

Goldfish Don’t Taste Great.

Simply put, goldfish taste exactly like the food they eat. If you plan on feeding your pet goldfish pellets or flakes, it’s likely that they will taste the same as what you eat. These commercial foods contain ingredients such as fish meals, squid meals, or earthworms.

You’ve likely resisted the urge to gag if you were ever brave enough or curious enough about food smells.

Goldfish are a good example of the saying, “You are what you eat.”

You may think wild goldfish aren’t so bad after all, but that’s just my opinion.

As with all carps in nature, goldfish can be found at the bottom of the ocean for most of their lives.

They will taste like mud and debris even when cooked to perfection.

Goldfish Can Carry Diseases.

The invasive species of goldfish are well-known for introducing disease into water bodies across the United States. It’s best to keep a safe distance from goldfish and your chops.

Goldfish, for example, are often carriers of a bacterium called mycobacteria, also known as fish tuberculosis. It can also be transmitted to humans.

It’s also very sneaky that the pathogen is asymptotic in fish, so you don’t know if your next meal will contain it.

It can be cooked and cleaned with the same care as other parasites and bacteria. Please think carefully before you decide to eat goldfish.

Are you still skeptical? Let me give you one more reason.

Goldfish Are Bony.

Goldfish aren’t as tasty as their carp cousins. It can be painful to debone and prepare the fish.

It would take so long and only yield small amounts of meat. It wouldn’t be worthwhile, I promise.

Is It Illegal To Eat Goldfish?

The US does not prohibit goldfish consumption. However, in Wales it is illegal to consume live goldfish.

A 2015 incident saw a Welshman eat a live fish at a local fair. The man was arrested and fined PS200. He was also banned from keeping pets for three years. Yikes!

Is It Safe To Swallow A Live Goldfish?

Social media has caused a flurry of interest in goldfish swallowing over the past decade. This dare includes eating live goldfish and swallowing them whole. It can be dangerous for the fish’s health and cause serious choking.

Don’t forget that goldfish can carry harmful parasites such as intestinal worms.

YouTube posted a video showing a man vomiting and eating live goldfish. We now know that goldfish do not die instantly when they are eaten alive.

It is a slow, stressful way to go to death. It’s so inhumane!

How To Prepare Goldfish To Eat?

Because goldfish are carps I will answer this question as though I were answering for them. Sorry for the long sentence.

Let’s say you caught the goldfish wild. IT’S NOT YOUR PET GOLDFISH, I HOPE!

After catching the fish, immediately place it on the ice. The bloodline should be removed and cleaned.

Goldfish, like most carps are bottom-dwelling fish. They will also taste exactly like the food they eat.

They will taste great if they are surrounded by clean water and healthy vegetation. They will taste terrible if they are exposed to a polluted environment.

The bony fish goldfish are are. When you filet, your rib bones can become entangled with several prongs.

Your goldfish’s size will also affect how good it tastes. Larger fish will have stronger flavors and textures.

It is highly recommended that you give the fish some bucket time after catching it. The fish should be placed in a clean bucket and allowed to detox for several days.

To preserve the flavor of the meat, it’s equally important to keep the fish on ice. This is because if the body temperature increases, histamine will be released into the body.

Histamine determines the taste of fish.

You can also get sick if your histamine levels are high enough.

How To Cook Goldfish?

You can cook goldfish the same way as you would other carp. If you are determined enough to put in the effort of cleaning and deboning them, you can fry them in breadcrumbs and add plenty of seasonings such as pepper, dried oregano and parsley. Don’t forget extra-virgin olive oil of high quality.

Please don’t. This was just for fun!

Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the most common questions about goldfish. These are essential questions to know!

Are Goldfish Edible To Eat?

If they’re not heavily treated with toxic chemicals, goldfish can be eaten. Prussian carps are still widely consumed in the Oriental region today.

Can You Eat Goldfish From A Pond?

You can eat goldfish from the pond. It’s not recommended. The fish could be carriers of harmful pathogens. The pond can be treated with toxic chemicals and fertilizers.

Can You Eat Goldfish From A Lake?

There are no goldfish found in any lake. Their native population isn’t found in the wild, as they were domesticated by Prussian carps two millenniums ago.

If you see a goldfish in the lake, it is probably not a good idea. The fish was most likely an aquarium pet.

As with all pets, the goldfish may have been subject to chemical treatment or medication that could be harmful to humans if they are ingested.

What Does Wild Goldfish Taste Like?

There are no wild goldfish. If you do find one, the most likely flavor will be strong and muddy. It may also have a’moist, flaky’ taste similar to most carps.

You never know!

Can You Eat A Giant Goldfish?

You can eat giant goldfish, if you wish. You’ll find them easier to debone and meatier than smaller fish. Good luck!

Final Words: What Does Goldfish Taste Like?

Goldfish don’t taste great. It tastes like commercial food to many who have tried it.

It’s also not safe to eat fish like goldfish. They can be contagious to humans and carry diseases such as fish tuberculosis.

But, most importantly, why even did you think of it? !