How do you count your fish's age?

Answer 1

To be honest there really is no way to know unless you raised them yourself. Fivespeed is right when it comes to livebearers and tetras, but really that number can be off a few months for those and especially for other fish.

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Answer 2

you can tell how old your fish is joust by following this rules carefully. one full ring = one year. i know this is long but it is worth it. your problems are solve.

Determine A Fish's Age

Two methods are used to determine the age of a fish -- growth "rings" on scales, and/or ringlike structures found on otoliths (small bones of the inner ear). The rings correspond to seasonal changes, similar to the rings of a tree, and can be counted to calculate the fish's age. Examined under a microscope, a fish scale reveals a series of fine ridges, called "circuli," in a circular pattern. A series of widely separated, light rings form in the summer, when faster growth takes place. During the winter, slower growth is indicated by narrow separations between the rings, resulting in a dark band. Each pair of rings indicates one year.

Because scales and scale rings are sometimes influenced by other factors, such as pollution and contact with harmful materials, researchers often examine otoliths, whose ringlike structures also indicate years of life. Like scales, otoliths exhibit a series of circular rings or bands around a center point. White bands are formed during the spring and summer months, while darker bands are formed during the winter. The fish's age can be approximated by counting the light and dark bands as one year.

Although scientists can obtain an accurate estimate of a fish's age by studying these markings, little information exists on fish longevity. Research reveals that the life span of a fish can range from a few weeks or months (small reef fishes) to 40-50 years (groupers, sturgeons). In fact, scientists believe that some species of groupers may live to be 80-100 years old. Most species, however, probably live no longer than 10-20 years, with larger species generally having a longer life span than smaller species.

Answer 3

The only way to know for sure is to raise one from fry. Most fish that you buy in a store are around 6 months of age.

Answer 4

I count my Betta's by how old they really are. I have raised many of them from spawning. The other tropical fish I own and bought from the pet store I just go by the date I bought them. There is really no way to tell from fish you have bought from a pet shop unless they breed them there.

Answer 5

I just age them based on how long I've had them... I have two Black Skirts that I've had for about 5 years.... so I say they are 5 years old lol

Answer 6

well the best thing i can say is cut a fin off and count the rings.
idk if there is a way

Answer 7

one, two. three. four, etc.

I try to use the English numbers as they are easier to remember.

Answer 8

BY MY FISH'S ACTIVITY PERIOD