6 Aquarium Fish That Live Long Lives (and 6 with Shorter Lifespans)

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Mathew Abraham

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Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

Gold Fish in a Bowl
MART PRODUCTION/Pexels

When selecting fish for your aquarium, lifespan is a crucial aspect to consider. Certain species can live for many years with proper care, while others have shorter lifespans yet still provide beauty and enjoyment. Whether you seek a long-term companion or a temporary enhancement to your aquatic environment, being aware of the lifespan of your fish will help you make the right decision. We’ll examine six long-lived fish that offer lasting companionship, as well as six species with shorter lifespans that can add vibrant charm to your aquarium.

1. Koi Carp

Koi Carp
Lancier/Pixabay

Koi Carp are renowned for their impressive longevity, often living up to 25–30 years and, in some cases, even longer with the right care. These vibrant and colorful fish are highly prized for their beauty and can grow quite large, making them a stunning centerpiece for ponds and large aquariums. To help them thrive, Koi require well-maintained water conditions, ample space, and a balanced diet. Their long lifespan makes them a rewarding addition for aquarists looking for a lasting aquatic companion.

2. Goldfish

Goldfish
JuanCarlosPalauDiaz/Pixabay

Goldfish are one of the most popular and enduring aquarium fish, with the potential to live 10–30 years or more when properly cared for. These hardy fish thrive in spacious tanks with well-maintained, clean, oxygenated water. While they are often seen in small bowls, they need larger aquariums to grow healthy and strong. A balanced diet, regular water changes, and appropriate tankmates will help goldfish reach their full lifespan, making them a delightful and long-lasting addition to any aquarium.

3. Catfish

Catfish
garten-gg/Pixabay

Catfish are known for their impressive lifespan, often living between 7 and 15 years in a well-maintained aquarium. These bottom-dwelling fish are peaceful and easy to care for, making them a popular choice for both beginners and seasoned aquarists. They thrive in tanks with clean, slightly acidic-to-neutral water and benefit from a varied diet of pellets, live food, and vegetables. With proper care, catfish can add a calm, unique presence to your aquarium for many years, enjoying both solitary and communal environments.

4. Discus Fish

Discus Fish
Ralphs_Fotos/Pixabay

Discus Fish are known for their stunning appearance and long lifespan, typically living 8–10 years with proper care. These peaceful, social fish require pristine water conditions, including soft, acidic water and a stable temperature. They thrive in larger aquariums with plenty of swimming space and benefit from a varied diet of high-quality pellets and live foods. While they can be more sensitive to changes in water quality, their vibrant colors and calm nature make them a rewarding choice for dedicated aquarists.

5. Pacu Fish

Pacu Fish
Anton Darius/Unsplash

Pacu Fish are large, robust fish that can live up to 15-20 years in an aquarium, making them a long-term commitment. Known for their strong jaws and resemblance to piranhas, pacus require spacious tanks due to their large size, often growing over 2 feet long. They thrive in warm, well-maintained water with regular filtration. Although they are generally peaceful, pacus should be housed with other large, non-aggressive species. With the right care, they can live a long and healthy life, becoming a striking presence in your tank.

6. Arowana Fish

Arowana Fish
ignartonosbg/Pixabay

Arowana Fish are stunning, powerful swimmers that can live up to 15-20 years in an aquarium, making them a prized long-term companion. These large fish, often called “dragon fish,” require spacious tanks due to their size, and they thrive in well-maintained, clean water with a stable temperature. Known for their graceful swimming and sleek appearance, arowanas can be more challenging to care for, but, with proper attention to their environment and diet, they can grow into majestic, long-living aquarium inhabitants.

7. Killies (Killifish)

Killfish
steadfastjbk/Pixabay

Killifish are small, vibrant fish that typically live for 3 to 5 years, making them one of the shorter-lived species in aquariums. However, their colorful appearance and active behavior make them a popular choice for fishkeepers. Killies thrive in well-planted tanks with soft, slightly acidic water. These hardy fish are relatively easy to care for, but they do best with species of similar size and temperament. Despite their shorter lifespan, their beauty and dynamic presence bring joy to any aquarium for several years.

8. Mollies

Mollies
ivabalk/Pixabay

Mollies are livebearers known for their adaptability and peaceful nature. They typically live 3 to 5 years in a well-maintained aquarium. These small, active fish thrive in a variety of water conditions, including slightly brackish water, and come in a wide range of colors and patterns. Mollies are social creatures that enjoy being in groups, so it’s best to keep them with other peaceful species. With proper care, including a balanced diet and regular water changes, mollies can be a long-lasting and vibrant addition to your aquarium.

9. Swordtails

Swordtail Fish
Wojciech J. Płuciennik, CC BY-SA 40/wikimedia commons

Swordtail Fish is one of the shorter lifespan species that typically live 3 to 5 years in an aquarium. Named for the sword-like extension on their tails, they add a unique and dynamic touch to any tank. These hardy fish thrive in slightly alkaline, warm water and prefer being in groups. Swordtails are peaceful but can sometimes be territorial, especially during breeding. With proper care, including a varied diet and regular water changes, swordtail fish can live a vibrant, enjoyable life, enhancing the beauty of your aquarium.

10. Platys

Platys
JuanCarlosPalauDiaz/Pixabay

Platies are small, colorful livebearers that typically live 3 to 5 years in an aquarium. Known for their peaceful nature and variety of colors, they make great additions to community tanks. These hardy fish thrive in slightly alkaline, warm water and are easy to care for. Platies are social and should be kept in groups to ensure they feel comfortable. They adapt well to a variety of tank setups and enjoy a varied diet, including pellets, flakes, and occasional live foods, ensuring a healthy and vibrant aquarium environment.

11. Tangs

Tangs
AndyNope/Pixabay

Tangs, also known as surgeonfish, are colorful and active saltwater fish with a lifespan of 5 to 10 years when cared for properly. These fish are known for their vibrant colors and unique shapes, making them a popular choice for marine aquariums. Tangs need a large tank with ample swimming space and excellent filtration. They require stable water conditions and a nutritious diet, including algae, to stay healthy. With the right care, tangs can live a long, vibrant life, adding beauty and movement to your tank.

12. Gobies

Gobies
goo/Pixabay

Gobies are small, peaceful saltwater fish that typically live 3 to 5 years in an aquarium. Known for their charming behavior and bottom-dwelling habits, gobies are often kept in pairs or groups. They thrive in well-maintained, clean saltwater tanks with plenty of hiding spots. Gobies are hardy and adaptable, making them a great choice for beginner aquarists. Their lifespan can be extended with proper care, including a balanced diet, regular water changes, and stable water conditions with regular monitoring.

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