Lifespan of Fish? Do I need to add fish to my will or trust?

SeaTila

SeaTila

New member
I've read some pretty shocking lengths of time fish are living in tanks. I truly had no idea before buying a tank. I thought fish lived a couple of years and now I'm reading shocking numbers like 20+ years for clownfish. Now I'm wondering if I have to add the tank to my will/trust and make sure I arrange for them outliving me. Or do I just supply directions to my executor to post my tank on this forum to make they aren't bought by a millennial cycling a new tank? Just how long can my fish live?

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depends on the fish.

clowns as you've said can easily go upwards of 20 years, and i've seen figures as high as 30 for tangs in captivity.

other fish can range anywhere from 3 - 30+ depending on species.

now maximum possible life span can differ significantly from actual or expected life span, but i certainly don't think making arrangements for any of your animals, be they fish, cat, dog, etc., after your potential passing is a bad idea.

better to try to figure it out now, and hope you don't need anyone to execute the plan, than to leave confusion for loved ones should the worst happen.
 
I would agree, if they mean that much to you, go ahead and plan ahead. There is nothing wrong with it and if it gives you peace of mind and lets you enjoy your tank more, go for it! Even the common comet goldfish has been reported to live 20-25 years.
 
For starters you might want to give detailed verbal & written instructions to your executor on how to go about it. For example reaching out to aquarium clubs in your area or posting in a forum such as this one. Ideally it would be someone capable of determining if the eventual recipient had the necessary experience & the right system to house them. Dropping them off at a LFS probably isn't a great idea as they very well may end up in the wrong hands.

I'm sure any lawyer would be happy to take your money and advise you if the instructions need to go in the will or trust documents themselves.
 
MondoBongo said:
depends on the fish.

clowns as you've said can easily go upwards of 20 years, and i've seen figures as high as 30 for tangs in captivity.

other fish can range anywhere from 3 - 30+ depending on species.

now maximum possible life span can differ significantly from actual or expected life span, but i certainly don't think making arrangements for any of your animals, be they fish, cat, dog, etc., after your potential passing is a bad idea.

better to try to figure it out now, and hope you don't need anyone to execute the plan, than to leave confusion for loved ones should the worst happen.
Click to expand...
I had no idea. This hobby has really come a long way since my first saltwater tank in 91. The equipment and food are so much better making this possible. And all the info you can look up like this forum has made a huge difference.

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ScienceRulez said:
I would agree, if they mean that much to you, go ahead and plan ahead. There is nothing wrong with it and if it gives you peace of mind and lets you enjoy your tank more, go for it! Even the common comet goldfish has been reported to live 20-25 years.
Click to expand...
I'm pretty sure the life expectancy of a goldfish won at the fair by a 7 year old is still less than a week. My daughter has a betta and she hugs the tank. She says she can't pet the fish but she can hug it. Then I have to remind her to feed her fish...kids!

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I can attest that when I was around 12 or 13 I got my first pair of true percula clownfish, and 12 years later they are still alive and well! Normal daily, weekly, and monthly care have attributed to this, but I think it's also how much love and attention you give to them :)
 
SeaTila said:
I had no idea. This hobby has really come a long way since my first saltwater tank in 91. The equipment and food are so much better making this possible. And all the info you can look up like this forum has made a huge difference.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I527 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
The first time I really thought about it was when I met a guy through work who also kept saltwater. He had a tomato clown that he said was 27 years old, which at the time was almost as old as I was.

It's awesome to think that if I can maintain good husbandry and good luck some of my fish may be around for decades.
 
lucasklein15 said:
I can attest that when I was around 12 or 13 I got my first pair of true percula clownfish, and 12 years later they are still alive and well! Normal daily, weekly, and monthly care have attributed to this, but I think it's also how much love and attention you give to them :)
Click to expand...
Wow. That's awesome!

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MondoBongo said:
depends on the fish.

clowns as you've said can easily go upwards of 20 years, and i've seen figures as high as 30 for tangs in captivity.

other fish can range anywhere from 3 - 30+ depending on species.

now maximum possible life span can differ significantly from actual or expected life span, but i certainly don't think making arrangements for any of your animals, be they fish, cat, dog, etc., after your potential passing is a bad idea.

better to try to figure it out now, and hope you don't need anyone to execute the plan, than to leave confusion for loved ones should the worst happen.
Click to expand...
Now that I see the possible range of years and know how much expertise for their care, I'm going to build in some instructions. We are revising this summer anyway so I'll just bring this up for adding at the same time. Anyone can care for dogs or cats but caring for saltwater tank fish/nems/inverts is a specialty.

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It might be useful to specify an estate sale for your fish tank, specifically targeted to reefers. Or, if you find someone you know will value your stock, to write them into the will.
 
Yep, I would contact your local club, and give them a "will" for your tank.

As long as it has signatures, and witnesses, it's legally binding.

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vikinglord13 said:
I personally wouldn't agree with 1 ppd. Many passionate reefers just don't post that much.
Click to expand...

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Not only fish but all the animals. In the couple decades I've been running a small maintenance business I've had two systems inherited.
 
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