can you eat goldfish

Yes, you can eat goldfish as they are technically edible and are smaller versions of carp, a fish consumed for centuries. However, eating goldfish is generally not recommended due to health risks, taste, and ethical concerns. Goldfish often carry parasites and zoonotic diseases such as fish tuberculosis caused by mycobacteria, which can infect humans and cause serious illness. They also have a muddy taste due to their diet and environment, and small pet- sized goldfish have little meat and many inedible bones. Additionally, goldfish are often kept as pets, making their consumption ethically questionable for many people. Eating goldfish is safer only if they are sourced from reputable providers raised specifically for consumption. In summary, while goldfish are edible, the risks of bacterial infections, parasites, poor taste, and ethical considerations make eating them generally unadvisable.