Fish Lifespan - How can you tell if your fish is dying from old age?

[blitzen25bm]

my fish usually start eating less and being less active before finally dying. i think their shorter lifespans are from lower quality fish because its usually the petsmart ones that dy while the others i get rid of to make room for something else.

its also due to stress like when we finally upgrade tanks for them, the older guys can become a little sensitive.

 

[Debra Mark]

Our Pacu will be 28 this year - I've heard they can live up to 60 years as well. As he's gotten older, I've noticed that his color is fading, specially under his belly....maybe the fish's version of grey hair???

 

[only6foot6]

Great question! Seriously thought provoking. I think most people think of fish of being "less than a dog, cat, etc." but we humans may have more control of our long lived pets, that is fish, than "normal" pet owners. I'm attached to my fish after 3 months, I can't imagine 5, 20 or 40 years.

I agree. It is only the true fish enthusiasts that really become attached & see a fish equivalent to a dog or cat. Since most fish are relatively inexpensive, most people don't have a problem with a fish dying and replacing it with another.

I have a few tetras that are pushing 4 - 5 years old. Over the years, you learn their personalities. I have really become attached to my angels whom I have only had for about a year. I will hate to see them go.

Our Pacu will be 28 this year - I've heard they can live up to 60 years as well.

28 years!!!! I can't even imagine loosing a pet that I have had for this long.