What are the average lifespans of these types of fish?

[Zionas]

Hey everyone, for these kinds of smaller fish I am curious as to what their lifespan is:

1. Firefish (Red, Purple, Exquisite, Helfrichi's)

2. Dartfish (Scissortail, Zebra, Blue Gudgeon etc.)

3. Blennies (Midas, Bicolor, Starry, Lawnmower, Tailspot, Molly Miller etc.)

4. Dottybacks

5. Basslets (Royal Gramma, Swissguard, Swales, Blackcap, Candy, Assessors etc.)

6. Gobies (Yellow Watchman, Randall's, etc.)

7. Bangaii Cardinals





Among small fish I know Clowns have the most longevity. I've also heard of people having kept PJ Cardinals, some dwarf angels, and some damsels over 10 years. For wrasses I know Fairies usually live 7-8 with Flashers 5-6, Halichoeres 8-10 etc.

 

[Sk8r]

Problem is, since these are caught as adults, you don't know how old they are when you get them, but I have seen the watchmen live over 5 years.

 

[Timfish]

I suspect, and I want to emphasize this is conjecture, under ideal conditions most of the fish listed might make it to 10 years and some maybe longer. As Sk8R pointed out we don't know how old these fish are. Taking into consideration the lack of information regarding actual age and ideal habitat, tankmates and diet I would consider keeping any of them 4-6 years a success.

 

[Zionas]

I do hope to keep some of them up to 10 years or longer though! Would make me really happy.

I would never buy an adult-sized fish, I prefer young adults or juveniles. If I buy one at or near full size I run the risk of buying an old fish that I might only be able to keep for 4-5 years or even less than that (especially terminal phase male wrasses).