What are the average lifespans of these types of fish?

Zionas · 08/05/2020, 08:24 AM

Hey everyone, for these kinds of smaller fish I am curious as to what their lifespan is:

1. Firefish (Red, Purple, Exquisite, Helfrichi’s)

2. Dartfish (Scissortail, Zebra, Blue Gudgeon etc.)

3. Blennies (Midas, Bicolor, Starry, Lawnmower, Tailspot, Molly Miller etc.)

4. Dottybacks

5. Basslets (Royal Gramma, Swissguard, Swales, Blackcap, Candy, Assessors etc.)

6. Gobies (Yellow Watchman, Randall’s, etc.)

7. Bangaii Cardinals

Among small fish I know Clowns have the most longevity. I’ve also heard of people having kept PJ Cardinals, some dwarf angels, and some damsels over 10 years. For wrasses I know Fairies usually live 7-8 with Flashers 5-6, Halichoeres 8-10 etc.

Sk8r · 08/05/2020, 11:36 AM

Problem is, since these are caught as adults, you don't know how old they are when you get them, but I have seen the watchmen live over 5 years.

Timfish · 08/08/2020, 08:34 AM

I suspect, and I want to emphasize this is conjecture, under ideal conditions most of the fish listed might make it to 10 years and some maybe longer. As Sk8R pointed out we don't know how old these fish are. Taking into consideration the lack of information regarding actual age and ideal habitat, tankmates and diet I would consider keeping any of them 4-6 years a success.

Zionas · 08/09/2020, 04:38 AM

I do hope to keep some of them up to 10 years or longer though! Would make me really happy.

I would never buy an adult-sized fish, I prefer young adults or juveniles. If I buy one at or near full size I run the risk of buying an old fish that I might only be able to keep for 4-5 years or even less than that (especially terminal phase male wrasses).

08/05/2020, 08:24 AM	#1
Zionas Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2020 Posts: 474	What are the average lifespans of these types of fish? Hey everyone, for these kinds of smaller fish I am curious as to what their lifespan is: 1. Firefish (Red, Purple, Exquisite, Helfrichi’s) 2. Dartfish (Scissortail, Zebra, Blue Gudgeon etc.) 3. Blennies (Midas, Bicolor, Starry, Lawnmower, Tailspot, Molly Miller etc.) 4. Dottybacks 5. Basslets (Royal Gramma, Swissguard, Swales, Blackcap, Candy, Assessors etc.) 6. Gobies (Yellow Watchman, Randall’s, etc.) 7. Bangaii Cardinals Among small fish I know Clowns have the most longevity. I’ve also heard of people having kept PJ Cardinals, some dwarf angels, and some damsels over 10 years. For wrasses I know Fairies usually live 7-8 with Flashers 5-6, Halichoeres 8-10 etc.

08/05/2020, 11:36 AM	#2
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	Problem is, since these are caught as adults, you don't know how old they are when you get them, but I have seen the watchmen live over 5 years. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.

08/08/2020, 08:34 AM	#3
Timfish Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,985	I suspect, and I want to emphasize this is conjecture, under ideal conditions most of the fish listed might make it to 10 years and some maybe longer. As Sk8R pointed out we don't know how old these fish are. Taking into consideration the lack of information regarding actual age and ideal habitat, tankmates and diet I would consider keeping any of them 4-6 years a success. __________________ "Our crystal clear aquaria come nowhere close to the nutrient loads that swirl around natural reefs" Charles Delbeek

08/09/2020, 04:38 AM	#4
Zionas Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2020 Posts: 474	I do hope to keep some of them up to 10 years or longer though! Would make me really happy. I would never buy an adult-sized fish, I prefer young adults or juveniles. If I buy one at or near full size I run the risk of buying an old fish that I might only be able to keep for 4-5 years or even less than that (especially terminal phase male wrasses).