How Long Do Fish Live In Your Aquarium?
When we decide to have an aquarium at home, it is essential to know a little more about the species we intend to breed. Fish are living beings that require specific care to preserve good health and enjoy a privileged longevity.
How long do fish live?
The truth is that it is not possible to give a single answer to this question. How long fish live depends on many factors internal and external to their body.
First of all, we must consider that there are several species of fish and each one of them has its own metabolism. Consequently, each species, and even more so each individual, 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 greater longevity than those that are in rivers or seas, mainly due to the absence of predators and the abundant food supply.
Let’s not forget that fish are sensitive animals whose health can easily be affected by climatic, hygienic and food factors; in captivity they are very vulnerable and sensitive species.
What is the life expectancy of fish in an aquarium?
As we have mentioned, the years of life of a fish in the aquarium will depend not only on its species, but also on the care offered by its owner. To get an idea, fish in captivity can live from a few hours to about 10 or 15 years.
The small fish that are marketed in specialized stores are very young: they are only about two or three months old. This first stage of its life is fundamental, since the animal is in full development.
With an excellent diet, a spacious environment and a positive environment, this fish will be able to grow strong and healthy, which will have a positive impact on its life expectancy. If, on the other hand, it is subjected to a negative environment and an unbalanced diet, it could die in days or hours.
We must also keep in mind the difference between aquarium and fish tank. In general, the fish that live in small tanks do not usually exceed two or three years of life. Although experts say that this longevity could be prolonged in case the fish is not subjected to stress.
In turn, fish that live in large aquariums, which replicate the optimal conditions for their development, could live for more than a decade, depending on the species. Common carp, for example, can exceed 15 years of age when given excellent preventive medicine.
Although it is not a rule, larger and more robust fish are usually more resistant, so they can enjoy greater longevity than the smaller and more delicate species.
Life expectancy of the most popular aquarium fish
Here’s how long the most popular fish live in aquariums.
- Clownfish. The species immortalized by the animated film Finding Nemo can live between 5 and 10 years. In addition to excellent longevity, these fish require relatively simple care, which is why they are recommended even for less experienced keepers.
- Orange fish (goldfish). Goldfish are a very delicate species of fish that usually only live for two to three years. These small fish require a meticulous routine of caring for their water, their food and their environment, as they can easily get sick.
- Guppy fish. The lovely guppy fish are famous for the unique colors they display on their bodies. This freshwater species, native to the American continent, is also quite fragile and its life expectancy is estimated to be only two years. Plus, it requires meticulous care with your water temperature.
How long do fish live in their natural habitat?
Considering the different species of fresh and salt water fish, in different ecosystems and climates, we speak of quite unequal life expectancies. For example, there are sturgeons that have exceeded 100 years of age, although they are exceptions even within their species.
Generally speaking, the average life expectancy of saltwater fish is around 20 years ; freshwater species usually live an average of 15 years. Cooler water fish will have greater longevity than warm water fish.
