Congo tetra experts - life span question

[svtcontour]

Anyone know how long they live? I've had some for about 4 or 5 years and I've noticed some of the really big ones starting to look saggy... sort of like this symbol ( but horizontal. They are still active but look droopy. Out of the 20 I've had in my 120, I've lost 3 in the last year. They were always the biggest ones and a few months before they went they started to look like that.

Its a shame if they have hit old age becuase they look so good at 3.5 - 4" in size. I'd hate to loose them Water seems fine in terms of parameters except PH is a little low at 6. Not sure if that would slowly kill them. I have tons of drift wood and lots of live house plants rooting from above into the water. I believe this is what is lowering the PH as well as tinting the water a little yellow or weak tea colour.

So if they are not supposed to be getting old at 4-5 years of age, what else can I check for other than water conditions? Food maybe? I use HBH Veggie flakes twice a week, Tetra large basic flakes twice a week, Hikari small cichlid pellets once a week and frozen blood worms once a week.

Oh if I ever find any flies, mosquitos or other creepy crawlies in the house, I also throw them in as I dont use any kind of bug spray or poison in the house so they should be fine. I consider this a treat.

Any suggestions welcome. Oh water temp is around 73-74F. Filteration is 2x 2217 and 1x 2260 (both eheim).

 

[dwag88]

73-74 seems a bit cool. 78-80 would probably be better but 4 to 5 years sounds like a long life for a tetra. Im not gonna suggest any other changes because if they have lived that long, you are probably doing everything else right.

 

[svtcontour]

So in general, the larger tetras (not just congos) tend not to go much longer? I always thought that the larger tetras lived pretty long. I guess its because I had silver dollars long ago and I think they can live to 12 years so I was thinking the congos will get to 7-8 years or so. Oh well... by the way I just checked and it does look like most sites say 5 years so I'm getting to that point.

Kinda sad I guess I should go buy some young ones and add them to the tank. My dream though is a huge 300+ gallon with a large school of like 40 congos. That would look incredible. I'd also want to keep other species to a minimum. Maybe a pair of two of Kribensis or some small but not too agressive cichlids.

 

[tanker]

I have never raised Congos but I once had bleeding hearts for over 8yrs. They where huge.

 

[Digital]

I think they are getting to their lifespan probably. 4-5 years is a good run for them. More pics! I just added 10 to my 90G, and I love them. My new favorite freshwater fish!

 

[irishspy]

I don't a thing about Congo lifespans, but that's a beautiful school and tank you have there. :clap:

 

[shirlz]

Sorry I can't help but just had to say your fish are lovely and great pics too. I have been considering Congo s for my new tank and this has convinced me.Hope yours are ok.

 

[severum mama]

Your Congos have excellent color, and I'd agree that they are getting up there in age. 5 years is a long life for a tetra. You have a beautiful tank and great pics too!