Cardinal tetra lifespan

Hi. Google results tell me cardinal tetra lifespan is about 2-5 years. I think some of you may say that you have a few cardinal tetras 7 or more years old. However, do any of you have a group longer than 7 years old or more?

If it is true that cardinal tetras live an average of 5 years max, then how come neon tetras live 10 years max? I would think a bigger fish like cardinals would live longer.

 

When you find lifespan information online its an average based on reports from a variety of fish keepers, including novices who don't quite know what they are doing. Take bamboo shrimp. All the lifespan estimates I have found say 1-2 years and I have one that is 5 years old and another that is 4. My otos are two years past their life expectancy.

Now as far as neons and cardinals, neons are a hardier species that has been in the trade longer than cardinals so you are likely going to get tank bred specimens with neons and wild caught with cardinals. Cardinals are more fragile and do not tolerate fluctuations in water parameters or temperature from my experience. Lifespan in aquarium animals is almost solely based on husbandry and not necessarily the individuals biology. Make sense?

 

Hi. Google results tell me cardinal tetra lifespan is about 2-5 years. I think some of you may say that you have a few cardinal tetras 7 or more years old. However, do any of you have a group longer than 7 years old or more?

If it is true that cardinal tetras live an average of 5 years max, then how come neon tetras live 10 years max? I would think a bigger fish like cardinals would live longer.

The relationship between size and age can vary a lot depending on biological factors, actually. Consider that for dogs, for instance, smaller breeds tend to live way longer than larger ones. Many giant-size mammals live for a very long time compared to many smaller ones.
In other words, there is not one overarching statement to make concerning the relation between size and lifespan.

I actually find cardinals hardier than neons (inbreeding problems?) but who knows.
Also lifespans recorded are just average ranges, there are always exceptions in both directions. Lifespan of humans is around 80 years, but there are plenty of people who live past a hundred these days.

 

I can't remember exactly but i've had cardinals for well over 5 years and they grew much larger than ones i've see in stores.

 

Neons naturally live at lower temperatures, preferring the low 70s F, while Cardinals live in the 80s. The cooler temps slow their metabolism, allowing them to live longer lives. Unfortunately, you can't just lower the temperatures on the Cardinals, as they start having health problems when you drop below 78-80.

Many average lifespans you find online are shorter due to the tendency to keep fish warmer than is appropriate these days.