How long will my fish live?

I agree - If I knew how to delete a thread I would delete this, take out the minimum tank size recommendation, and stick to just ages. As soon as you say a number, even if you clearly state that it is just a recommendation, people either want to argue an "opinion" or say "I have kept them in less." I should have put a long disclaimer stating that these are average ages, that goldfish (not koi) have been reported to grow up to 24", that the tank sizes are in no way a requirement and that you can keep a goldfish in a 1 liter bottle but it is not recommended.

I put this in the newbie forum in an effort to help spread a little knowledge about the approximate life spans of the fish.

I really like you idea for an article. I will probably expand it to cover most of what you would find in an LFS around the country. In the mean time I hope this info helps answer some of the "how long will it live" questions.

-Thanks for the idea! :)

Definitely don't delete it! It's one of the more interesting and thought provoking threads I've read today. :)

Take the "arguments" into account and you'll have even more varied input and there for a better article (which I'd love to see). I've only had a few fish "die of old age" myself. Multiple Blue Gourami @ almost 4 years estimated age. A "What's your oldest fish" thread could probably glean you alot of inputs. Either way, thanks for the thread and I hope to read your article someday! ;)
 
I agree - If I knew how to delete a thread I would delete this, take out the minimum tank size recommendation, and stick to just ages. As soon as you say a number, even if you clearly state that it is just a recommendation, people either want to argue an "opinion" or say "I have kept them in less."

Don't give up! :)
Let everyone here comment on the original list, and then edit it based on our comments, and then submit is as an article. That way we'll get all the arguing out of the way first :evil_lol:
I like the idea of keeping tank sizes on the list, because that way you're telling people how long they'll be housing their new pet AND how big of a house it'll need.

Here's my comment--I'll second the correction to clown loach tank size. Loaches.com says 75 gallons minimum for a group of young clowns, and 180 or up for a group of full-grown ones.
 
Definitely don't delete it! It's one of the more interesting and thought provoking threads I've read today. :)

Take the "arguments" into account and you'll have even more varied input and there for a better article (which I'd love to see). I've only had a few fish "die of old age" myself. Multiple Blue Gourami @ almost 4 years estimated age. A "What's your oldest fish" thread could probably glean you alot of inputs. Either way, thanks for the thread and I hope to read your article someday! ;)

I like the what is your oldest fish thread idea!

I also like arguments as well! It's the moot, nonconstructive arguments that I have a problem with. :)

Back to the oldest fish thread - I think I'll post that as soon as I get back - gotta jet. Thanks for the support!
 
Don't give up! :)
Let everyone here comment on the original list, and then edit it based on our comments, and then submit is as an article. That way we'll get all the arguing out of the way first :evil_lol:
I like the idea of keeping tank sizes on the list, because that way you're telling people how long they'll be housing their new pet AND how big of a house it'll need.

Here's my comment--I'll second the correction to clown loach tank size. Loaches.com says 75 gallons minimum for a group of young clowns, and 180 or up for a group of full-grown ones.

Thanks! Noted and corrected for the *revised* post :thm:
 
I guess to satisfy the dwarf puffers of the world I should have indicated that 24" was an extreme case and that Apistos can live anywhere from 1 sec to 10 years (that should cover it)


:silly:
 
Definitely don't delete it! It's one of the more interesting and thought provoking threads I've read today. :)

Take the "arguments" into account and you'll have even more varied input and there for a better article (which I'd love to see). I've only had a few fish "die of old age" myself. Multiple Blue Gourami @ almost 4 years estimated age. A "What's your oldest fish" thread could probably glean you alot of inputs. Either way, thanks for the thread and I hope to read your article someday! ;)


x2 !
 
How about adding invertebrates?

Mystery Snail
Zebra Nerite
Amano Shrimp
RCS

Other fish I have:

Dwarf Cories
Lemon Tetras
Boraras micros

I was wondering about this question for months and had not had time to post it. Thank you!
 
I am curious about invert longevity as well but once again you will have size requirements. Perhaps if you stated that size is based on a SINGLE specimen it would help to eliminate some arguments.

I take exception to Oscar in a 55 gallon. As an owner of some Oscars I can state that is not feasible or healthy for them. I have seen them in 55's and they often can't turn around in it. A 75 should be the absolute minimum for a single Oscar since they often grow to 15"+ and a 55 is only 13". The 75 is not only due to size but also the need for the extra water.

I also have a list for longevity but without tank recommendations and I find it very useful. Keep tweaking on it! It's a very good start. There are exceptions to every rule and is sure to breed some dialogue.
 
AquariaCentral.com