How to approximate a fish’s age?

[Pufferlover95]

When it comes to determining the age of a fish, size I’m sure is the first thing that many use to approximate it. Over time, they obviously get larger and you can count the day you got them as their “birthday” and keep track of how many years old they are.

But what about when you purchase a fish that is already large? You weren’t there at collection so you have no idea how long the fish has been alive. Is there a better way for the average hobbiest to determine this? I’ve seen articles about measuring scale size, but that’s too complex for the average hobbiesy.

On a related note, does anybody have an approximate guess on the age of the fish listed with their original purchase size?

—Harlequin Tusk Wrasse (purchase size 6in)
—Porcupine Pufferfish (purchase size 10in)
—Adult Emperor Angelfish (purchase size 7in)

 

[MnFish1]

When it comes to determining the age of a fish, size I’m sure is the first thing that many use to approximate it. Over time, they obviously get larger and you can count the day you got them as their “birthday” and keep track of how many years old they are.

But what about when you purchase a fish that is already large? You weren’t there at collection so you have no idea how long the fish has been alive. Is there a better way for the average hobbiest to determine this? I’ve seen articles about measuring scale size, but that’s too complex for the average hobbiesy.

On a related note, does anybody have an approximate guess on the age of the fish listed with their original purchase size?

—Harlequin Tusk Wrasse (purchase size 6in)
—Porcupine Pufferfish (purchase size 10in)
—Adult Emperor Angelfish (purchase size 7in)

There is no way to tell. based on purchase size.

 

[i cant think]

When it comes to determining the age of a fish, size I’m sure is the first thing that many use to approximate it. Over time, they obviously get larger and you can count the day you got them as their “birthday” and keep track of how many years old they are.

But what about when you purchase a fish that is already large? You weren’t there at collection so you have no idea how long the fish has been alive. Is there a better way for the average hobbiest to determine this? I’ve seen articles about measuring scale size, but that’s too complex for the average hobbiesy.

On a related note, does anybody have an approximate guess on the age of the fish listed with their original purchase size?

—Harlequin Tusk Wrasse (purchase size 6in)
—Porcupine Pufferfish (purchase size 10in)
—Adult Emperor Angelfish (purchase size 7in)

They could easily be 5-10 years old but at the same time only 1-4 years old.

 

[GARRIGA]

If it looks like me and moves like me... It's old otherwise no clue

 

[DanyL]

These two clowns are approx 17 years in my care. Can you tell?

 

[Reefering1]

These two clowns are approx 17 years in my care. Can you tell?

The one on the right does look particularly grumpy...

 

[DanyL]

lol that’s the female, she looked grumpy ever since she changed her sex 16 years ago

It doesn’t mean much in terms of age though

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Whenever I buy a fish, I assume they are younger (2 years old or less).

 

[Pufferlover95]

Whenever I buy a fish, I assume they are younger (2 years old or less).

Well, when they have Blue Tangs for sale the size of a quarter, I assume they are only a few months.