Life Span

How long a healthy fish can generally live in captivity given proper care and water conditions.

Tips for a long life

• Feed high protein food during its first year as a young animal requires lots of essential minerals during its initial growing period.

• Feed good quality food with plenty of on-going variation. This ensures it gets all its minerals and amino acids.

• Ensure it is kept in water with no ammonia or nitrite. Keep nitrate levels low.

• Ensure it is kept within appropriate water parameters for its species. i.e. temperature, pH, GH, salt levels.

• Consider adding bogwood or other similar organic material to the tank. This has shown to promote healthier animals.

• Ensure low stress. A constantly alarmed animal has a short life. Provide a covered backdrop to the tank, provide hiding places. Look out for bullying from other co-inhabitors.

• Look out for wounds on the animal. These maybe caused by ornaments or other animals.

External links

• Age of freshwater fish (German)
• Age of freshwater fish - Google English version
• PFK article - How long do your fish live for?
• University of Glasgow research shows fluctuating diet increases risk of sudden death and a shortened life