Old or sick?

[Gartenprofi]

I initially had ten five-banded barbs in my approximately one-year-old aquarium. However, five of them died unexpectedly at longer intervals. For some time now, I have noticed that a larger, more colorful barb always swims in the same shady spot in the aquarium. Now I am wondering whether this could be a sign of old age or whether the fish has a problem. In one picture, you can see it compared to another male barbel that looks like most of the others. You can see a clear difference. I'm unsure because the fish otherwise seems to be doing well and is eating well. However, I've only had it for a year. In the last picture, I could see a female fish that I think is very young.

 

[tlindsey]

this could be a sign of old age or whether the fish has a problem.

I believe it's age because it's eating and doing well as you stated.

 

[A201]

I would expect to get three or four years out of a Banded Barb.

Of course when you buy fish, the age of the fish isn't typically known, unless they are juveniles.
You might have bought fish that were already a year or two old.

Another life shortening factor is the possible exposure to medications prior to purchase.
Certain medications such as copper sulfate, can be really hard on fish, resulting in a shortened life.

Another life shortening possibility is hormone infusion aka "juicing".

I hope things get better soon.

 

[Gartenprofi]

So it is a typical sign of aging that fish lose their color and become calm (in one place?).