life span of fish

SeaHorse_Fanatic · #1 03-25-2010, 06:51 PM

I know at least a couple of old time reefers who have yellow tangs that are 15 years plus old.

One source states that Vlamingi tangs can live 45 years!!! Don't know how accurate that is.

If you're wondering, most of the oldest sw fish in captivity would probably be in public aquariums. There are records of some sw creatures living well into their 20s, 30s & 40s in public aquariums.

Seahorses typically live 2 years or so. My last one passed away after 2.5 years and it was probably at least 6-8 months old when I bought him. One of the last wild caught seahorses available. Now with the CITES restrictions, all must be captive raised.

On the other hand, I've had Amano shrimp (fw) that were at least over 10 years old and still going strong. Captive bred in Vancouver.

untamed · #2 03-26-2010, 05:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeaHorse_Fanatic

One source states that Vlamingi tangs can live 45 years!!! Don't know how accurate that is.

Great.... I guess that means that Freckles stands to inherit his own tank!

My best so far was the first fish I ever purchased. A yellow tail damsel that died just before I got the big tank started. He was 13.

randy123 · #3 03-26-2010, 05:38 AM

I think the two most important factors in fish longevity are species and source. You'll find that fish from reputable wholesalers/LFS are your best bet, because you know they have been ethically caught/well treated beforethey came to you.

Some species just don't do well in aquariums. We don't know enough, or we just can't provide the right environment. Really, when our success in captive breeding is restricted to just a few species, how well can we claim to be doing? Then are are some fish such as Moorish Idols, which plain don't belong in the hobby IMO because we can't even keep them alive for a relatively short period of time.

IMO we should stick to the ones that do okay in captivity, for the sake of the fish and our wallets...

naesco · #4 03-26-2010, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by randy123

i think the two most important factors in fish longevity are species and source. You'll find that fish from reputable wholesalers/lfs are your best bet, because you know they have been ethically caught/well treated beforethey came to you.

Some species just don't do well in aquariums. We don't know enough, or we just can't provide the right environment. Really, when our success in captive breeding is restricted to just a few species, how well can we claim to be doing? Then are are some fish such as moorish idols, which plain don't belong in the hobby imo because we can't even keep them alive for a relatively short period of time.

Imo we should stick to the ones that do okay in captivity, for the sake of the fish and our wallets...

+1

untamed · #5 03-27-2010, 12:12 AM

OK...but once you've taken a fish past 3-6 months in your tank it would be hard to blame someone else if it dies after that. (assuming natural lifespan is considerably longer)

I'm just saying the obvious, I suppose...that the aquarist themselves is a significant factor in longevity.

Felix · #6 03-27-2010, 12:13 AM

When I lived in England I had Japanese Koi Carp and some Isreali and uk bed koi carp. My Dad is still looking after some we have had for over 22 years !

not had anywhere near the same success with tropical fish.

on a related subject my friend has a pair of African Grey Parrots, his wife was surprised to find their will has to have provision for the Parrots, as all being well they will out live them both.

Felix