Aging mandarin

[Don's tank]

I've had my Mandarin for about 5 years and never had a problem. But recently she's gotten thin and less active. I still see plenty of pods in the overflow, so I assume they are in the main display. She was full grow when I got her, so I don't know the exactly age. Do they tend to get thin and lethargic like humans when getting old? Is there anything to do to help her? The two pictures are from today and back in June 2018.

 

[blaxsun]

According to the California Academy of Science, a lifespan of between 2-4 years can be expected in captivity. So it could be that your mandarin is simply nearing the end of hers.

 

[eggplantparrot]

that's a "him" and you should try white worms. easy to culture, doesn't smell and fills mandarin bellies.

 

[Don's tank]

that's a "him" and you should try white worms. easy to culture, doesn't smell and fills mandarin bellies.

Here is another picture that I just took and it appears that there is a problem with his fin. Could it possibly be fin rot? I also just noticed him trying to swim but he just tilted to the left.

Also, how do you determine that it's a he?

 

[eggplantparrot]

Dorsal fin has the spike means male. Females are rounded.

He may have lived his full life according to @blaxsun's post

 

[Don's tank]

Dorsal fin has the spike means male. Females are rounded.

He may have lived his full life according to @blaxsun's post

Thanks for the info. I hate to lose a fish, but much prefer it to be because of old age.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Here is another picture that I just took and it appears that there is a problem with his fin. Could it possibly be fin rot? I also just noticed him trying to swim but he just tilted to the left.

Also, how do you determine that it's a he?

Its the fin like mentioned above.

 

[Karen00]

I haven't had my saltwater fish long enough to comment on old age in marine fish but this is how it played out with every old freshwater fish I've had. I have to assume they are no different than us in this regard or our dogs, cats, etc. You have done an amazing job with this mandarin! You can try different foods but it might not make a difference. You definitely want to make sure he doesn't get bullied or harassed by other fish. That might mean setting up a separate tank. As hard as it is to lose a fish it is definitely better that it's from old age.

 

[Don's tank]

I haven't had my saltwater fish long enough to comment on old age in marine fish but this is how it played out with every old freshwater fish I've had. I have to assume they are no different than us in this regard or our dogs, cats, etc. You have done an amazing job with this mandarin! You can try different foods but it might not make a difference. You definitely want to make sure he doesn't get bullied or harassed by other fish. That might mean setting up a separate tank. As hard as it is to lose a fish it is definitely better that it's from old age.

Thanks. I completely agree. When he dies, it'll be sad but it will be nice knowing he lived a complete life.