How long do different types of fish live?

[vlangel]

I have had fish for over a decade and then re-homed them when I change directions and kept seahorses. A mated pair of clowns that were still spawning were 15 years and one of their babies that I kept was 7 years old. I believe pajama cardinal fish, tangs, puffers and angels can live decades in captivity with a healthy varied diet and a stress free enviroment.

 

[DeeBee]

I feel that most of the lifespan charts are skewed because they are based on averages. Also, if you buy an adult size fish then how do you truly know the age you are starting at?

Firefish say an average of three years but I have had ones that live past 7. Cleaner/Fire shrimp usually say a year or two but I've gotten over 5 years out of mine.

 

[TriggerFinger]

While I personally don’t have a lot of experience, my mom has had a single fowlr tank for 30 years. She has a blue hippo tang that is 26, turning 27 next year, and a pair of maroon clowns that are 22. Her male lyretail anthias that was 18 died 2 years ago. Seems the smaller the fish, the shorter they lived in general, but I think almost any fish should live at least 4-5 years in the right environment.

Kudos to your mom!! How big is her hippo tang at that age??

 

[Dr RBG]

Maybe someone could do a poll or something to compile data from members. Would be anecdotal but would be useful. I don't know how to do that

 

[Zionas]

That would be a great idea!

 

[Silent]

20+ year old pink skunk clown

 

[vlangel]

20+ year old pink skunk clown

Ha ha, and she does not look a day past 1 year!

 

[SakuraSky]

This is a great thread, I've actually been wondering this recently after I acquired some older fish. Hippo tang, and foxface and heniochus are probably 7yrs old and bird wrasse is 5 or more. Was wondering how much longer they will live! A lot of sites say average 7 years so seeing people have 20 year old fish is really cool!

 

[lba4590]

Kudos to your mom!! How big is her hippo tang at that age??

He has got to be at least 10” - but looking really rough these days lol! Some HLLE scars around his face I guess, but he is fat as can be and still really active! He’s a member of the family at this point for sure.

 

[McPuff]

There is pretty solid evidence to suggest that many wrasses (especially cirrhilabrus) will live about 6-7 years. I had 3 for just over 6 years and they all died within about 6 months of each other. As they were all quite small when I got them, I assume they were less than a year old upon purchase. It was pretty obvious they died from old age yet each was unique in the way it passed. Very strange.

My oldest fish now (and ever) is my orange spot watchman goby which I have had since 2005. I estimate he is about 17 years old.

 

[Spuckjr]

My tank is 30 years old. The clown i have is 23. The last of a trio i bought together.

 

[Brew12]

Is there a database somewhere that tells how long different fish usually live in captivity?

I can give the scientifically definitive answer on this.

Damsels and 6-line wrasses live longer than you want.
Every other species of fish don't live nearly as long as you want.