How Long Do The Fish Live In The Aquarium?
When making the decision to keep an aquarium indoors, it is essential that we inform ourselves a little about the species we wish to breed. Fish are living beings that require specific attention to stay healthy and enjoy a long life. How long do fish live in the aquarium?
How long do fish live?
In reality, it is not possible to give a single answer to this question. The lifespan of fish depends on numerous factors, both internal and external to their organism.
First of all, we must consider the fact that there are different species of fish, each of which has a metabolism with its own characteristics. Consequently, each species, and even more so each individual, can enjoy a different life expectancy.
On the other hand, calculating how long fish live is an operation that must be performed in direct relation to the habitat of each animal. In general, fish that live in captivity can be longer-lived than those that live in rivers or seas, mainly thanks to the absence of predators and the abundant availability of food.
Let’s not forget, then, that fish are sensitive animals, whose health can be easily affected by climatic, hygienic and food factors. Those that live in captivity are very vulnerable and sensitive species.
How long do fish live in the aquarium?
As we have said, how long the fish live in the aquarium depends not only on the species, but also on the care they receive from their master. For you to get an idea of, fish in captivity can live from a few hours up to 10 or 15 years.
The small fish that are sold in specialized shops are very young: they are only two or three months old. This first phase of their life is fundamental, because the animal is in its full development.
Thanks to excellent nutrition, a large environment and a positive environment, a fish can grow strong and healthy, with a consequent positive effect on its life expectancy. If, on the other hand, he is in a negative environment and receives an unbalanced diet, he is likely to die within a few days or hours.
We must also remember the difference that exists between an aquarium and a 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 duration could be extended if the fish is not subjected to stress.
On the other hand, fish that live in large aquariums, which reproduce the ideal conditions for their development, can live for more than a decade, depending on the species.
Common carp, for example, can be over 15 years old if they are given excellent preventive medicine.
While this is not a rule of thumb, larger, more robust fish are also more resilient, and consequently can enjoy greater longevity than smaller, more delicate species.
Life expectancy of the most common aquarium fish
In the following lines we see in more detail how long the most common fish that populate aquariums live.
- Clownfish. Specimens of the species immortalized by the animated film Finding Nemo can live between 5 and 10 years. In addition to enjoying excellent longevity, these fish require relatively simple care, which is why they are also recommended for owners who have little experience.
- Goldfish (goldfish). Goldfish is a very delicate species that generally only lives two to three years. These small fish require careful care in managing their water, feeding and environment, as they can get sick easily.
- Guppy. These enchanting fish are known for the unique colorations exhibited by 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. Furthermore, the temperature of its water requires very meticulous care.
How long do fish live in their natural habitat?
Considering the different species of fresh and salt water fish, in different climates and ecosystems, we are talking about rather heterogeneous life expectancy. For example, there are sturgeons that are over 100 years old, although these are exceptions even within their own species.
Generally speaking, the average life expectancy of saltwater fish is around 20 years. Freshwater species, on the other hand, generally live an average of about 15 years. Fish that live in colder waters have a greater longevity than those in warm waters.
