Goldfish Analysis

When goldfish swim up to the glass of the tank, does it mean they are smart enough to recognize people?

Goldfish sure are smart not in the sense as dogs are, but they are smart. They will swim up to meet you probably because they think you are going to feed them. They might not be able to differentiate between one person and the other but they do know that the people they live with are the caregivers. Know that they depend on you and hence love you.

Why is a new goldfish not moving in its bowl, when he is very much alive?
Well first of all, he probably hates being in a bowl. Goldfish do not like bowls even though humans think the bowls are cute. Put him in a tank with a compatible companion goldfish. Meanwhile watch the fish. Is he coming up to the top of the tank when you feed him? If he is then, he