Goldfish are hardy fish, capable of thriving in water conditions that kill many other fish. They can survive in algae-filled water and muddy conditions, but they do need room to swim. Goldfish can grow to between 6 inches and 18 inches, depending on the species. Bowls are incompatible with goldfish besides the fact that they don't allow much swim space: The small space allows nitrates to build up quickly, poisoning the fish. Nevertheless, whether inhabiting a bowl or an aquarium, a goldfish hanging at the bottom of the bowl is in most cases unusual behavior.
Stress Can Be a Cause
When a goldfish is stressed, he will sometimes just hang there in the water, unwilling to move. Sometimes this condition is apparent, as the fish is hanging out on the bottom of the bowl a lot. Conditions that can cause this are poor water quality, lack of air, poor nutrition and loud noises. The goldfish is sensitive not only to his own aquatic world but to the world around his own.
Sometimes It's Sickness
A sick goldfish, perhaps one that is poisoned by ammonia or nitrites in the water, will be lethargic, clamping down his fins and tail and staying fairly stationary in the bowl. His colors will fade and his scales will grow dull. The sick fish won't want to eat or swim. A sick fish won't try hard to escape from a net as a healthy fish will.
Fish is Bored
Goldfish are curious fish; they explore plants, shells, little aquarium toys and even substrate gravel. When confined to a bowl, they often have nothing to do but swim, and will tire of that. A bored goldfish will often just give up and do nothing without a challenge in his environment. Small toys designed for bowls, as well as shells and gravel that's too big for goldfish to swallow, are the solution.
Water Quality and Temperature
While it's true that goldfish can tolerate algae and muck to a certain degree, they will go into partial hibernation if their water becomes too cold. While it's unlikely that such conditions would occur in a bowl, the fish would react by sitting still at the bottom. Nitrates in the water stress the fish and make him sick; in a small bowl they build up quickly, causing disease.
Sleeping Goldfish
Sleeping is the only healthy circumstance for goldfish to hang out on the bottom of a bowl. When goldfish sleep, they simply hang somewhere, without moving much. The fish may still look awake, because goldfish have no eyelids to close. Sometimes the fish will sleep at the bottom of the fish bowl, but as often as not will fall asleep anywhere within the bowl. Wherever they get tired is where the sleeping fish will rest.
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