Well, i started when I was 8 with a 20 gallon goldfish tank and I just celebrated my 43rd bday, so about 35 years or so. i took a short break while I went to college, but missed it dearly. I honestly think I'm a fish keeper for life. I get very depressed without fish around.
I've kept lots of different fish. Goldfish as a kid, large saltwater eels and triggers as a young adult and now cichlids and loricariids in my 40's. I suppose triggers and loricariids would be considered my specialty fish, but I wouldn't consider myself an expert nor have i learned everything there is to know. Funny thing is, the deeper i dive into the hobby, the more there is to learn, but thats part of the enjoyment of the hobby for me. i love learning about new species, breeding practices, filtration setups, you name it.
Most recently, I've started a new Mbuna community and am setting up an L46 breeding project in our garage. And once again, it's time to go study.......