Is my gramma getting old? What's their lifespan?

[Mariner]

My Brazilian (Royal) Gramma was the first fish I put in my 75g tank four years ago. He's been a very active fish and has gotten VERY LARGE -- easily the biggest gramma I've ever seen in an aquarium. We named him Osama the Gramma.
Anyway, this past week he's started to mope around. Stays in his cave a lot and hasn't shown up a couple of times at feeding time. I wonder if he's just getting old. I noticed one website had the expected lifespan of these fish at 3 to 5 years. Anyone had one much longer than that?
thanks,
Mariner

 

[lynn53]

Congratutions! it's always nice to hear of people keeping fish for long periods of time. I just acquired one so I can't help you out with the longevity of them, but a lot of those smaller type fish are rated at the 3-5 year expectency. I have a pair of watchman goby's that I got in the fall of 2001 and are still going strong.
(simular in size) Anyways, I hope your Gramma is okay and is with you a lot longer...but if not, you can be proud of providing a excellent home while he was in your care.
cheers