Are My Fish Dying or Just Slowing Down for Winter?

Fish Sitting on the Bottom in Autumn: Normal or Trouble?

As water temperatures drop in October, goldfish and koi naturally become sluggish. They stop eating, hover near the bottom, and may barely react to your presence. This is normal torpor—not death.

Signs of Normal Seasonal Slowdown

• Water temperature below 55°F (13°C)
• Fish upright, fins slightly clamped, but responsive to touch
• No visible sores, fungus, or parasites
• All fish behaving similarly

Red Flags (Check These)

• Bloated bodies, pineconing scales (dropsy)
• White spots (ich), fuzzy patches (fungus), red sores
• Gasping at surface (low oxygen)
• Only some fish affected

What to Do

Stop feeding below 55°F. Test water if you're unsure. In deep winter, fish may appear almost frozen but will revive in spring. If any fish have actually died, examine them for disease signs.

Location matters: fish in Florida stay active year-round; in Minnesota, they're dormant by November.