Meet Goldie — a beloved pet pufferfish with a personality as bright as her name. According to her owner, Mark Byatt, Goldie is almost always in a good mood, and her cheerful energy fills the room.
“She has such a great personality,” Byatt told The Dodo. “She’s just a very happy fish.”
And when Goldie is happy, it shows — sometimes a little too much.
Pufferfish have a unique set of teeth that fuse together into what looks like a single beak-like tooth. That tooth never stops growing and is usually worn down naturally as they crunch through hard-shelled foods like shellfish.
Goldie loved her crunchy snacks, but over time, her tooth began growing faster than it was being worn down. Before long, it became clear that her smile was getting a bit out of hand — and could eventually make eating difficult.
Not wanting Goldie to struggle, Byatt brought her to the Sandhole Veterinary Centre, where specialists knew exactly how to help.
To keep Goldie calm and comfortable, she was gently sedated while the veterinary team performed her dental procedure.
With great care, they trimmed her overgrown tooth down to a healthy length, frequently placing her back in water throughout the process.
“We use fish-safe anesthetic, and nurse Debbie held her securely with a towel, often returning her to the water,” the clinic shared.
The procedure went perfectly — and Goldie emerged with a much healthier smile.
“She’s very happy with her new smile,” Byatt said.
And it’s easy to believe him.
With her dental issue resolved, Goldie can once again enjoy her favorite foods comfortably — and flash that signature pufferfish grin without a care in the world.
Of course, her happiness doesn’t come from the dentist alone. Goldie is deeply adored at home, and her owner spares no effort in giving her the best life possible.
“She’s absolutely worth every bit of time and money it takes to keep her healthy and happy,” Byatt said. “Goldie is truly a cherished member of our family.”
To follow Goldie’s journey and see more of her joyful life, you can find her on Instagram.
