Cichlids and old age

[cacichlids]

What is considered "old" for Central and South American Cichlids? I've read they start losing color and becoming weak and less active as they become older... but how old? Some people say 10, 12, 15 years, some even think a 20 years lifespan would be possible with the right care.

Would a 6 years old cichlid already be way past their prime?

I'm asking this because I'm getting a fish that is (according to the owner) 6 years old, and even though it looks very strong and in top shape, I wanna make sure I'm doing the right thing.

 

[Lab_Rat]

Depends on the species. If the fish looks like it's in great shape I wouldn't hesitate to get it.

 

[CAaddict]

agreed with rat boy

 

[Natural Born Killer]

Agreed,,if it looks healthy get it

 

[rich_one]

This is a good question, and I agree with the others.

Interestingly, this makes me think about how easily some of us buy large, wild caught fish from vendors for large amounts of money, while having zero idea how old the fish is! LOL...

-Rich

 

[cacichlids]

It's a female festae... which means she's not cheap.

Look at her:









My only concern is her color... she seems very washed out and I'm wondering if it's just the quality of the video and the glare or she's just old. Maybe the diet too, and if this was the case would a change in diet make a difference at that age?

 

[rich_one]

She looks nice to me, man... but when it comes to these things, I always tell people, be happy with what you are buying, because we all put a lot of money into this thing, and personally, if I have any doubt about a fish, I don't buy it. I must love it, or I won't buy it.

I'm not telling you not to buy it, now... don't get me wrong. I'm just saying, its a judgment call, you know? Who knows... you could get her to color up how you like? Or not. Can you live with her how she looks now? That's kinda what you have to decide, I would suppose.

-Rich

 

[cacichlids]

I agree w that. I kinda like her too lol but here's a suspected female from my growouts for comparison (this is the one that I put in the Umbee tank to get him out of hiding)



She's like 3.5" and already looks more colorful than the big one. Look at the greens in her face.

 

[rich_one]

She is nice looking, I'll give you that!

-Rich

 

[cacichlids]

Well she's not mine anymore. I sold her.

I guess I'll ask for more pictures of that big female and decide. Btw do you notice anything wrong with her shape? I kinda see a curved back in there but I'm not sure. She's 8"