It may shock some people to learn that goldfish can live twice as long as a dog. They’re just one of several fish species that can enjoy very long lives. This can be a blessing for owners who want to enjoy their pets for a long time. However, it’s also a major responsibility to maintain a fish’s aquarium for several years.
Here are some fascinating pet fish that can live for many years. Some are less conventional than others, but they’re all incredible animals!
1. Koi Can Live More Than 30 Years
Koi carp are one of the most beautiful pet fish species. Owners usually keep them in ponds instead of aquariums because of their large size. Koi fish can also live for a very long time in optimal conditions. They may survive for between 25 and 35 years. In Japan, there are records of koi living for even longer because of their stronger genetics! Typically, Western breeders and owners focus on the size of the fish over their genes.
It’s common for Westerners to feed them richer diets. This enhances their growth, but it can affect their long-term health. There are other ways to enhance a koi’s lifespan. Maintain a healthy aquatic environment with appropriate pH and oxygen levels. With proper care, you can enjoy a koi’s relaxed nature and vibrant appearance for years to come.
2. Goldfish Can Live Decades and Grow Larger
One of the most common indoor pets on the planet, goldfish also have very long lifespans. Many owners don’t realize this when they win one at a fair or similar event. Goldfish can survive for up to 30 years with the correct care. This is something to think about when buying one for a child. The goldfish will still be around when they go off to college. They’re a long-term investment and make a mockery of their short-lived reputation.
Furthermore, goldfish also continue growing as they age. This is something to be mindful of when you first bring one home. Eventually, you’ll need a full-size fish tank, not a fishbowl. It’s relatively easy to care for them because they’re omnivorous freshwater fish. This means it’s simple to get food for them. Remember, fish are more likely to live longer in a controlled aquarium than in an outdoor pond. However, this may not be feasible for larger species.
3. Plecostomus Can Live for 15 Years
The plecostomus (sometimes called “pleco”) is another unique aquarium fish species. Many people love this catfish variety because they believe that they’ll keep their tanks clean. This is a slight misconception, so be careful. They do indeed eat fish waste and clean algae. But they don’t scrape it away, and they also produce lots of waste. Plecos can live for up to 15 years and similarly to goldfish, they’ll keep growing.
There are reports of plecos growing longer than 24 inches. This means that they may outgrow many tanks so be wary. You’ll need an effective filter, too. Plecos require plenty of care, but they’re fascinating. Some marine life lovers prefer this type of species to more decorative fish. Their lifespan and their care requirements mean that they are a big responsibility. There’s no doubt that they’re worth it.
4. Australian Lungfish: Unconventional Pet, Long-Lived Animal
We admit that Australian lungfish aren’t the most common pets. However, some people do keep this incredible species. It’s a massive commitment because the oldest reported Australian lungfish survived for 80 years in captivity! It’s more typical for them to live for about 25 years. However, this is still a very long time, so it’s a significant commitment. It’s also remarkable that they can survive out of water for several days if their skin is moist.
They are a protected species, making it relatively rare for people to have them as pets. Another issue is that their long bodies don’t make them suitable for most small indoor aquariums. However, they may live comfortably in larger tanks or ponds. This remarkable fish can breathe through a single lung when water quality changes or if the pond becomes dry. They are omnivorous but love frogs, small fish, and earthworms.
5. Convict Cichlids Can Live 15 Years
Cichlids are a common pet fish. The convict cichlid may live for over a decade in captivity. This makes them a better long-term option than the likes of tetras or barbs. Don’t forget that most cichlids are quite aggressive. They’re very popular aquarium fish, but we shouldn’t mix them with other species. Their territorial nature means that they’ll fight and even potentially eat their tank mates. There are reports of cichlids living for 15 years. Never house two males together because it won’t end well.
6. Silver Pacu Can Surpass 30 Years Old
Most people won’t get this pet fish because it requires a 350-gallon saltwater aquarium. Nonetheless, some marine lovers do own them. A silver pacu can live for up to 30 years in captivity. However, usually, they survive for a couple of decades. Space is the biggest issue with this fish because it’s a tank-buster species. This means that it will outgrow most home aquariums. They need space to swim comfortably, so this is a serious challenge. Unlike the other fish on this list, they are primarily herbivores. They will eat small fish but prefer fruits, nuts, and other vegetation.
7. Rafael Catfish Are Long-Bodied and Long-Lived
Many catfish have lengthy lifespans. The Rafael catfish is one of the longest-living varieties. Hailing from South America, their large size and placid natures make them a good companion for aggressive species. They’re too big for cichlids to fight or eat so it’s a nice balance. However, a single fish requires a large 55-gallon tank because of their notable nine-and-a-half-inch length. Typically, they live for 10 to 15 years in captivity, but there are reports of them surpassing two decades. They’re a bottom dweller species, so give them plenty of space to hide and explore.
