Goldfish "Depressed" in Summer Heat? It's the Temperature

Why Are My Sarassa Comets Lethargic in August?

Virginia Beach summer heat = water temps in the 80s°F. Fish metabolism speeds up, but oxygen drops. They "lollygag" to conserve energy.

Heat Stress Signs

• Reduced activity, appetite.
• Hovering near waterfall/aerator.
• Plants (hyacinths) grow explosively — consuming nighttime O2.

What to Do

• Add aeration (air stone) — critical at night.
• Shade the pond (shade cloth, more lilies).
• Don't overfeed — uneaten food rots, consumes O2.
• Thin plants if >70% coverage.

It's not "depression"—it's physiology. Cool water = active fish.