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Corals and Fish Lifespan

11K views 26 replies 10 participants last post by  cath  
#1 ·
How long do they live? Corals? Fish? Is there any info out there?:)
 
#2 ·
Casey we pretty much know, but you need to narrow it down. Some fish, like high metabolism plankton feeders (herring, chromis, etc) don't live as long. While slower metabolism fish like grouper can live close to a hundred. Fish that are better able to regulate their body temp like tuna, can live longer cause they are able to feed all year. etc etc.

Corals you need to narrow down to. While a "colony" type coral, even though individuals might be replaced, would be considered to be alive until something kills the colony. Individual type corals would have a much shorted live span.
 
#13 ·
I know where you're coming from Casey. I've had people ask similar questions. Most common pets don't have anywhere near the lifespan of humans, then when people keep parrots or turtles, the idea that your pet will outlive you seems odd to some. When you tell someone that your corals will live forever..... MY God, the obligation!!!!!!!!!
 
#22 ·
Hmm, Fish? if you think about it real hard,,,,in the wild no fish prob ever dies from "old age",,,nature will take it's course b4 it happens,,,,all it takes is lil slowing down, a lil bit of erratic movement,,and it's lunch for another fish,,,so what i'm saying, no fish prob ever dies from old age,,,,
as far as corals,,,like Jerel said, define corals,,,some split, and who knows what really happens to the parent,,to colonies that have been around b4 people thought the world ended at the edge,,,,