Red Eared Sliders ate 7 of 8 goldfish, but last goldfish has been living with turtles for months?

Very weird. I was asked to turtle sit 4 turtles. So obviously the first thing I did was go buy goldfish! The turtles immediately ate 7 of the 8 goldfish. The one remaining fish has been living happily with the 4 turtles for months. Why didn't the turtles eat the last goldfish? Do they sense that it is maybe sick or something? Did they become attached somehow?

Red Eared Sliders ate 7 of 8 goldfish, but last goldfish has been living with turtles for months?
Its the process of prey selection. Animals go after specific targets, and the remaining fish is no longer a target.





With turtles, size is a primary indicator, but other things like color, 'scent', etc. are also a part of it. A turtle will only seek prey big enough to bother with and small enough to reasonably catch.





If you dump a big bunch of assorted size fish in a tank with several turtles (or other predators), you'd be able to watch as slowly, all but the biggest and smallest are eaten. Of course, as the fish got bigger, they'd become prey again!
Reply:We had the same sort of incident. About 18 years ago we had a Reeves Turtle (and he is still around, just a few feet from me) who - theoretically - is a meat eater.





Tossed in a couple of goldfish. There were a couple of attempts at a bite, then nothing.





All I can figure is the little guy figured it was a lot easier to eat ReptoMin than chase fish. So, that was the last time fish shared his tank.
Reply:sometimes bonds are made betwee different types of animals that would normally be dinner or lunch. they might have grown use to the fish and do not see a reason to eat him.
Reply:I have experienced the same thing. There is nothing to worry about if the turtles are eating. Mybee he is a quick little smart goldfish and has escaped being dinner.



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