Today I morn the loss of my 18 year old Yellow Stripe Maroon Clown. I am very sad and am pretty sure this will be the end for me in the hobby. Has anyone else kept a fish for this long. I was hoping if others shared there story it would help ease my sadness. Thank You for anyone who shares!
Goodbye my 18 year old friend
- Thread starter scubayou
- Start date
18 years is a pretty good job! I have experienced many fish in the 14 to 25 year old range- the 25 year old was a piranah though! The oldest fish on the roster now is a pacific blue tang that is 16- he hasn`t read he can`t do well in a less than 8 foot tank yet! There is no reason for you to be sad about having prvided excellent care for your fish. If you want to be sensitive- then keep looking online for some unwanted fish you can rescue- you obviously have the skills to help out!
Yes, I have some pictures and video believe it or not.
Thanks, I have been doing this for a long time, but for some reason I feel like I failed. I have a case of the what ifs? That is why I posted here, I figured it would help the process.
platperc
In Memoriam
So sorry to hear this, 18yrs is a long time, you've obviously done all the right things and provided excellent care for her to live to the ripe old age of 18.
I feel your pain, and I've been there.. not necessarily with my fish, even though I love them all dearly, but with my dog Shadow that I had for 22 years. When she passed (we had to put her down due to cancer in her hip) I swore I wouldn't do it again. It took a while to get over the pain, but I eventually adopted a stray who showed up at my door in the cold wet rain, and she helps me to remember all the things I loved about Shadow. She keeps Shadow's memory alive and tangible to me.
So, while I understand that it hurts now, and that emotionally you might want out, I'd like to suggest that you take the time to let your emotions settle before you make any decisions.
Sorry for your loss...
So, while I understand that it hurts now, and that emotionally you might want out, I'd like to suggest that you take the time to let your emotions settle before you make any decisions.
Sorry for your loss...
Alysiak00
New member
some people cant get past 18 days let alone 18 years. i give you a high five and say don't quit the hobby my friend. it's like a dog or a cat, if they pass away after 10 or 20 years you don't usually say "okay thats it, i failed." you've done an excellent job at housing your clown and the longevity shows it 
cheer up and keep your head high
cheer up and keep your head high
reggiepe
Seriously?
I still have my very first clown when I started in the hobby 20 years ago. She is a 20 year old Clarkii. I believe that her eyesight is getting worse as I tend to see her having trouble sometimes when going for food at feeding time. I keep her by herself in my prop tank as she's as mean as a snake to other inhabitants. I believe that you should commend yourself for keeping one healthy for as long as you have. Kudos to you.
Sorry for your loss. 
18 years is a testament to your excellent husbandry. I wouldn't throw in the towel just yet. Maybe purchase a pair of tiny clowns. I have enjoyed watching my 4 year old female misbar perc grow and develop.
18 years is a testament to your excellent husbandry. I wouldn't throw in the towel just yet. Maybe purchase a pair of tiny clowns. I have enjoyed watching my 4 year old female misbar perc grow and develop.Fretfreak13
I am not a boy!
Please, don't quit. So many people kill their fish from ignorance. We need more people like you to help keep this hobby prospering and beautiful. Everything eventually dies, and eighteen years is one heck of a long, happy, healthy life for a fish. You did a fantastic job as a fish parent, and there are so many more fish babies out there that need a home like you can offer. If you enjoy it still, don't quit.
Good luck to you with whatever you do decide, and lets see some pictures. =)
Good luck to you with whatever you do decide, and lets see some pictures. =)
Gold Stripe
New member
My GSM is going on 9 years and I know what you mean. I was ready to take a break from the hobby when I had to take down my 180 due to family growing but I set up my current 65 just because I couldnt let my GSM get away. Had I not had her I would be out of the hobby right now but I'm glad I kept going.
Its tough right now but after some time you will want start over so dont get out just yet.
Its tough right now but after some time you will want start over so dont get out just yet.
You are telling a familiar story
WienerDog
New member
WOW, Scubayou...what an amazing statement for your care and devotion not only to your clown but as well to the hobby. You are an inspiration to those of us who are new to the hooby in addition to the experienced keepers. I am very sorry for your loss as I've grown very close to many of my fish. You couldn't of given your Clown a better life even if you tried. Thank you for sharing it with us.
velvetelvis
Active member
scubayou, I'm very sorry for your loss. We never have our beloved pets long enough. But the fact that you feel like there was something you should have been able to do, proves that you were a loving and conscientious caretaker. It's the irresponsible owners who feel like minimal effort is more than enough.
Something similar happened to me last year...I lost my 15-year-old old-lady cat, whom I'd had since she was 5 months old, to kidney failure while I was in the hospital recovering from major surgery. I was heartbroken, but a little comforted when the pet-sitter told that the stray black cat I'd taken in the previous winter stayed next to her, touching her with his paw, till the end. There's always another little creature waiting in the wings who needs love and care--and who provides unexpected blessings in return.
Something similar happened to me last year...I lost my 15-year-old old-lady cat, whom I'd had since she was 5 months old, to kidney failure while I was in the hospital recovering from major surgery. I was heartbroken, but a little comforted when the pet-sitter told that the stray black cat I'd taken in the previous winter stayed next to her, touching her with his paw, till the end. There's always another little creature waiting in the wings who needs love and care--and who provides unexpected blessings in return.
BonsaiNut
Premium Member
I had a pair of spawning orange skunk clowns. I kept them for about four years, but they were such terrors in my community tank that I ended up giving them to a breeder I know. He kept them for several years, and then passed them on to another breeder who specialized in skunks (they are a little harder to raise). Last I heard, they were still with the other breeder, spawning like clockwork after 10+ years. I should check in with him - if he still has them it would be about 19 years at this point.
On the plus side - imagine how many captive raised offspring they were responsible for over that time.
On the plus side - imagine how many captive raised offspring they were responsible for over that time.
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