Tropical fish are among the most popular pets for people in the UK. Offering bright colours and a calming presence to a home, whether you’re a beginner setting up a tank for the first time or an experienced aquarist managing a comprehensive ecosystem, it’s important to understand how long tropical fish live. This will help you give them the best care.
Lifespan varies greatly among species, with many factors determining exactly how long they will live and thrive. By properly understanding their needs and creating the right environment, you can help your pets enjoy long and healthy lives.
Read on for more information…
What are tropical fish?
Tropical fish is a broad term that refers to freshwater fish that usually come from warm regions like South America, Asia and Africa. These fish need warm water to stay healthy; usually, it must be between 24℃ and 28℃. The most common tropical fish that are kept as pets include:
- Guppies
- Neon tetra
- Betta
- Mollies
- Platies
- Angelfish
- Cichlids
Many of these species are happy to live alongside many others, and have helped to popularise tropical aquariums in homes all over the world – including in the UK.
How long do tropical fish live?
So, how long do tropical fish live?
Well, the answer varies widely. Some species have very short lifespans and may only be with us for around three years, even if you care for them perfectly. Guppies and small tetras are fish that tend to be in this category.
Other species naturally live much longer, with some able to live for more than 20 years when properly looked after. Angelfish can live for more than a decade and cichlids have been known to live well over 15 years.
Lifespan will usually be influenced by both the natural biology of the fish’s species and the quality of care they are receiving.
Factors that affect lifespan
There are several factors that affect how long tropical fish live. This includes:
- Species: Undoubtedly, the biggest reason is that different fish have different natural life spans. Smaller fish tend to have shorter lives than larger species that take longer to grow.
- Water quality: Clean, stable water in the tank is essential. Poor water conditions can lead to disease, stress and premature death.
- Diet: Balanced nutrition supports the immunity, growth and energy of fish. Many fish suffer from bad diets that are based on flakes alone, when a more varied diet is required.
- Tank size: Overcrowding or tanks that are too small can limit the growth of fish, which will increase the buildup of waste and cause more stress.
- Stress: A lot of stress weakens the immune system of fish.
- Filtration: A reliable filter will help keep the water stable and remove waste. This helps remove bacteria and increase oxygen levels.
- Temperature stability: Sudden changes to the tank’s temperature can shock the ish and damage their health.
How to keep fish living longer
If you’re thinking about having tropical fish as pets, there are several things you can do to give them the best chance of thriving and living the longest life possible. This includes:
- Quarantine new fish: Keep new arrivals to the tank in a separate place for a few weeks before introducing it to your other fish. This is because they can sometimes cause disease.
- Choose compatible species: Pick fish that can live peacefully together and fit with your tank. At most pet stores, they will be able to advise on the best types for your circumstances.
- Cycle the aquarium first: Before introducing fish to the tank, make sure you cycle it to prevent ammonia spikes, which can be harmful.
- Perform regular water changes: You should change at least 25% of the tank’s water every week to keep the water healthy and stable.
- Test the water: You should always monitor ammonia, nitrate and pH levels to make sure they’re at the correct levels.
- Provide a varied diet: You should combine flakes and pellets with live or frozen foods like shrimp and worms. Your pet shop will be able to advise on the best diet for your specific species of fish.
- Maintain correct temperatures: Make sure you keep the tank temperature at the right level. This is usually between 24℃ and 28℃.
- Reduce stress: Make sure the tank includes hiding places, plants and decor to create as comfortable an environment as possible.
- Avoid sudden changes: Do not tap on the glass or make any abrupt changes to the tank water, as this can cause health issues.