I have goldfish in large outdoor pots (like homemade ponds) and I always notice how quickly they come to the surface when I feed them. It's difficult to see if they are unwell, as generally they are starting to float sideways when it's really obvious they are sick and then they die soon after. It would be better to have an idea before they got to such a critical stage. Like if I'm overfeeding, how do I really know?

Is it a sign of good health when they rise quickly and gobble up the food?

What other signs are there to tell me if my fish are healthy?

I keep goldfish in large outdoor pots (homemade ponds). Other than noting their swiftness when surfacing for food, it is difficult to determine if my goldfish are unwell. It is only obvious they are sick when they start to float sideways; they usually die soon after. I would like to be able to recognize sickness before they get to such a critical stage.

Is it a sign of good health when goldfish rise quickly and gobble up the food?

Are there other signs to indicate if my fish are healthy (or sick)?