GoldfishJoe 0 Posted January 3, 2012 I mean if they are meant to live around 20 years or so on average and you see all these people who's fish lasted anywhere from 2 years to 10 years, are these premature deaths? I mean there are so many diseases, poisonings, illnesses, swim bladder issues, over crowding etc that ca just kill them off. Has anyone here actually had a goldie die of just good ol' fashioned old age? 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chrissy_Bee 144 Posted January 3, 2012 I think that the vast majority of pet goldfish die of something other than old age - most often disease or infection. You're right, goldfish can live for decades, but they (especially fancies) can be very difficult to keep healthy. If there is a problem with water quality, they can get sick. Or disease can be introduced by new fish. Even the genetics of the fish can limit their lifespans, for example, those who develop bodies so compact that they get swim bladder disorders. 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dnalex 13,633 Posted January 3, 2012 ^Agreed! Joe, the decade+ plus life is somewhat like max potential lifespan, but it's not the average lifespan. For example, in humans, the potential lifespan is at least 110-120 years old. I reality, the vast vast majority of us will never get even close to that. Currently, the average lifespan for those in technologically advanced countries is in the 70s, and that number was far less even 100 years ago. Having said that, I think that all the things I am learning on this forum will have helped to extend my fish's life expectancy 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tarynator 0 Posted January 3, 2012 The oldest bunch I've seen lived to about 13 years(!!), then one got sick and it was a domino effect I think genetics plays a big part in this, making them more susceptible to illnesses and diseases. And these sicknesses being so transferrable between goldfish adds to their untimely demises. A lot of icky things can thrive in aquatic environments and its hard to keep your fish away from them since its so uniform and they are limited in where they can go. That's why proper filtration and clean water is so important... I lost one to a faulty swim bladder simply due to his morphology. *wags fist* stupid genetics! 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tarynator 0 Posted January 3, 2012 PS Have you ever seen a 44 year old goldfish? Look at this... (Sorry video is in Japanese)Shame about the setup they have... little guy must be immortal (or they're changing tank water with water from the fountain of youth) 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dnalex 13,633 Posted January 3, 2012 (edited) PS Have you ever seen a 44 year old goldfish? Look at this... (Sorry video is in Japanese)Shame about the setup they have... little guy must be immortal (or they're changing tank water with water from the fountain of youth) Here is a little English blurp about that goldfish. http://bradninch-tc.gov.uk/index.php/bradninch-history/75-goldfish Edited January 3, 2012 by dnalex 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ShawneeRiver 2,720 Posted January 3, 2012 I don't see your blurb, Alex. I love that video! I find it interesting that the fish stayed so small. 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dnalex 13,633 Posted January 3, 2012 (edited) I don't see your blurb, Alex. I love that video! I find it interesting that the fish stayed so small. You didn't see the blurp because I forgot to add the link. I'm afraid I'm not yet 40 and going senile Edited January 3, 2012 by dnalex 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RabbiehxGoldfishxLover 2 Posted January 8, 2012 fortunately i haven't experienced any problems yet as i am quite new to the hobby. I don't know what its like to lose a fish, but my dad used to keep 3 commons in a ... 38 litres which is 10 gallons i think and they lived for a year. i don't know how.. just goes to show the hardiness of goldfish 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites