Butterfly lifespan

[jmm]

A little over four years ago I bought a beautiful longnose yellow butterfly. He ate at the store, he even ate in the bag and he has eaten ever since. He has tripled in size and is perfectly shaped and colored.

His normal way of eating is to swim into the newly released food and "peck" at the particles with a towards-away movement. And he was competitive enough to get his fair share.

For the last couple of weeks, however, he doesn't peck, he just picks a few pieces that are right in front of him lazily. He's not eating as much and he misses the pieces and sometimes spits them out.

I've read that they don't live long. He doesn't look old but this lazy way of eating has him not getting enough and I'm worried he's on his way out.

How long do you think they live? I have another, much smaller one in another tank and he is competitive, "pecks", and even plays all the time. This has always been my favorite fish.

 

[ThRoewer]

I have no idea how long these may live. But there was a scientific study done on 3 species of angelfish. Wild specimens were collected and evaluated for their age: Centropyge loricula generally up to 8 years, Centropyge bicolor generally up to 18 years, Pomacanthus sextriatus up to 60 years.

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[jmm]

I've kept large angels over a decade and sold them healthy when I got rid of the tank. Tangs, too.

I just don't know how long butterfly fish live. I've heard 5 years. I'd hate to lose him. He still follows me around when I get close, gets excited over food, but doesn't successfully get much. It seems he sees the food that's far away, heads for it and then can't find it. Do they get far-sighted?

 

[scooter31707]

I have heard anywhere from 5-12 years.

 

[alton]

My copperband was 13 when he passed. He was the only one i owned that ate aptasia. His tummy got large, I wasn't sure if he ate something he couldn't pass or what.

 

[jmm]

I've found a wide range of "expert" opinions on longevity of butterfly fish.

All I know is that he, and his tankmates have been together for many years without additions to the tank. And he was always so healthy and ate well. Now he tries but doesn't get much to eat, even if he gets it in his mouth.

 

[jmm]

Seems a little better over the last day or so.

 

[kmbyrnes]

I had the same experience with a Coral Beauty. Seemed fine, the stopped eating. Then had ragged fins. Moved to QT but still passed in a couple days.
Hoping the best for you.

 

[jmm]

Maybe it's not his time yet. He has resumed actively eating again although I would say he's not quite as aggressive or successful in the competition.