Goldfish are widely kept pet fish, often residing in home aquariums and outdoor ponds. These domesticated descendants of the Prussian carp are social animals that naturally form groups in their aquatic environments. The English language has developed many whimsical collective nouns to describe groups of animals. This tradition leads many people to wonder if a special name exists for a cluster of these creatures.
The Official Collective Noun
While general terms for a group of fish are commonly accepted, goldfish have acquired a few distinctive collective nouns. The most recognized terms for a gathering of goldfish are a “troubling” or a “glint.” These names are rooted in the poetic tradition of English language usage, not scientific classification. The term “glint” likely refers to the way their metallic scales reflect light as they move beneath the water’s surface. Biologically, calling them a “school” or a “shoal” is accurate, but these specific, colorful nouns are often preferred in trivia and literary contexts.
Shoaling Versus Schooling Behavior
Biologically, a group of fish staying together for social reasons is called a shoal, which is the behavior goldfish primarily exhibit. Shoaling is a more relaxed gathering where the fish maintain proximity but swim and forage somewhat independently. This group movement provides a “safety in numbers” advantage, making it less likely for any single fish to be targeted by a predator. True schooling is a more advanced and synchronized behavior where individuals swim in a tightly coordinated formation, all moving at the same speed and in the same direction. Goldfish are considered facultative shoalers, meaning they group together for comfort and security, but their movements lack the tight precision of an obligate schooling species.
Other Notable Fish Group Names
The tradition of giving unique collective nouns applies to many other aquatic species, often resulting in descriptive and surprising names. For example, a group of sharks is referred to as a “shiver,” which may evoke the danger associated with the species. A gathering of trout is sometimes called a “hover,” perhaps referencing their tendency to remain suspended in the water column. Other notable terms include a “shoal” of bass or a “fever” of stingrays.