Platydoras armatulus lifespan?

[Bernie]

Does anyone know how long a platydoras armatulus will live? I have one that is about 5 inches long, over 15 years old, and still going strong. Amazing catfish! Thanks for your help.

[Richard B]

Hi Bernie & welcome to Planet Catfish

I think this has been covered previously (indirectly) in a thread somewhere (that i can't find: my search capabilities are a bit poor)

However i seem to recall that there are a good few years yet for a 15 year old - 20-22 seems to come to mind but i'd wait for others to chip in who may definately recall the previous thread.

If you are interested there is a thread with a breeding occurrance of these which is a fantastic experience (with pics of a tiny baby platydoras

[sidguppy]

Bas Pels has got one that is at least 22-23 years old and given the growthrate, young Platydoras are likely 1 or 2 year old when they have the 2-3" export size; all Platydoras in the trade are wildcaughts.

[Bas Pels]

In fact I got 3 - all bought in 1988

in these 22 years, they have almost always been accompanied by central american cich lids - not the least stressy tankmates

But still, I can not see any sign of old age. I expect to enjoy them for at least 5 more years