Polypterus senegalus "Platinum"

[cockroach]

Unfortunately randomly lost a platinum senegal (not the original one). Suspect sudden death. Very baffling. Super clean, no visible external wounds or infections. RIP

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When I was keeping bichirs a while back, I had the same thing happen with my senegals and some others.
I started to think it was a case of inbreeding affecting longevity in these captive bred fish. Especially, the more designer strains.

Crappy feeling when you lose a fish you know you could have had for a long time.

 

[Hao]

When I was keeping bichirs a while back, I had the same thing happen with my senegals and some others.
I started to think it was a case of inbreeding affecting longevity in these captive bred fish. Especially, the more designer strains.

Crappy feeling when you lose a fish you know you could have had for a long time.

I'm not entirely sure about the whole inbreeding affecting longevity but possibly. This specimen being able to reach 29 cm/11.5" shows that it does have good genetics for a captive bred senegal though. This specific piece I've only had for 1.5 years (got it that size so unsure on its age). My OG one I grew from small is the same size so I'd assume they'd be similar age but who knows. I have notice albino senegalus generally do have shorter life span and they tend to be smaller and have more health issues, now that probably has something to do with inbreeding.

 

[cockroach]

Yeah, albinism in most animals creates issues that affect longevity.
I read once, that even high intensity artificial lights, such as aquarium LED's, can affect them over time due to long exposure and no resistanmce usually offered by the presence of melanin. The lacking melanin may also result in more stress for the fish that has to work harder to find food and constant "over" exposure to light, leads to eventual stress sin the fish.

Also, apparently, even though externally the fish looks fine, the mechanisms for albinism could affect enzyme or hormone function in animals with albinism.

Without proper study of the dead fish you won't ever know for sure. These are just some factors they may be contributing factors when compounded over time.