How Long Do Aquarium Fish Live?
When deciding to have an aquarium at home, it is essential to know a little more about the species we intend to create. Fish are living beings that require specific care to maintain good health and have a privileged longevity. After all, how long do aquarium fish live?
What is the life expectancy of fish?
The truth is, it is not possible to give a single answer to this question. How long fish live depends on many internal and external factors in their body.
First, we must consider that there are different species of fish and each one of them has its own metabolism. As a result, each species, and even more so each, can have a different life expectancy.
On the other hand, the calculation of how many years fish live is also directly related to the habitat of each animal.
In general, fish that live in captivity can have a longer lifespan than those that live in rivers or seas, mainly due to the absence of predators and constant supply of food.
Don’t forget that fish are sensitive animals whose health can be easily affected by climatic, hygienic and food factors.
How long do aquarium fish live?
As mentioned, the life expectancy of an aquarium fish will depend not only on its species, but also on the care provided by its owner. To get an idea, fish in captivity can live from a few hours to 10 or 15 years.
The small fish sold in specialized stores are very young : they are only between two and three months old. This first stage of its life is fundamental, as the animal is in full development.
With a good diet, a wide and positive environment, this fish will be able to grow strong and healthy, which will positively impact its life expectancy. If, on the contrary, he is subjected to a negative site and an unbalanced diet, he could die in days or hours.
We must also keep in mind the difference between small and large aquariums. In general, fish that live in small aquariums do not last longer than three years. However, experts say that this longevity can be prolonged if the fish is not subjected to stress.
In turn, fish that live in large aquariums, with optimal conditions for their development, can live for more than a decade, depending on the species.
Common carp, for example, can live beyond 15 years of life when they receive good preventive medicine care.
Although it is not a rule, larger, more robust fish are generally more resistant, so they can have a longer lifespan than smaller, more delicate species.
Life expectancy of the most popular aquarium fish
Moving on, let’s look at how old the most popular fish in aquariums live for.
- Clown fish. The species immortalized by the Finding Nemo animation can live between 5 and 10 years. In addition to an excellent longevity, these fish require relatively simple care, so they are recommended even for less experienced caregivers.
- Golden fish. Goldfish is a very delicate species of fish that usually only live for between two and three years. These small fish require a meticulous routine of taking care of their water, their food and their environment, as they can get sick easily.
- Guppy fish (female). The charming guppy fish are famous for the unique colors they display on their bodies. This freshwater species, native to the American continent, is also very fragile and its life expectancy is estimated at just two years. In addition, it requires meticulous care with the temperature of your water.
How long do fish live in their natural habitat?
Considering the different species of freshwater and saltwater fish, in different ecosystems and climates, we are talking about very different life expectancies. For example, there are sturgeons that are over 100 years old, although they are exceptions even within their species.
In general, the average life expectancy of saltwater fish is around 20 years. Freshwater species live an average of 15 years. Colder water fish tend to live longer than warmer water fish.
