upside down catfish lifespan. 5. upside down catfish lifespan

 
5upside down catfish lifespan  The tips of its ventral, pectoral, dorsal, and anal fins are white, and the bases are darker

Zebra cichlid ( Metriaclima callainos ): 10+ years. The Featherfin Squeaker is fairly large and a long-lived catfish. Moderate. Thats is a Asian Upsidedown Catfish, scientific name Mystus leucophasis. The water should be moderately soft, around 4 to 15 dGH, and with a slightly acidic to neutral pH in the range of 6. The best way to prevent your fish from getting swim bladder disorder is by taking good care of their tank and feeding them a healthy diet. They shelter, often upside-down, in any holes, and cracks present. I have two upside-down cat fish one bigger than the other who have been co-existing with the other fish for a long time. AFS carries a few others, such as electric catfish and glass catfish. In this list, we’re going to list down 75+ popular fish that start with u. It should be decorated with a good amount of bogwood, rocky caves/PVC tubes, and robust planting. 5; Hardness: 4-15 dGH. Thus, the name, as it implies, is “upside-down catfish. Diet. Origin: West Africa. May 31, 2022 Robert. Long-lived fish, upside-down catfish have been known to exceed 15 years old in captivity. Regular water changes and proper filtration are necessary for their well-being. Ensure water hardness is within the suitable range of 5 to 20 dGH. Today, they’re more often found in aquariums, where they can live up to 15 years and grow to be 4 inches long. 7. The average lifespan of the blue catfish is 20 years. Those mollies and even the catfish really need something more like a 29gal, also the upside down cats seem to like having friends, so all the more reason to upgrade. He only manages to swim in a controlled fashion when he is. No, this fish got its name because it spends the majority of its time swimming upside down with its belly pointing towards the surface of the water in your tank. 345. How Long Do Zebra Danios Live? 7 Best Tips For a Longer Lifespan; Tags South American Cichlids Tank Mates;Poisoned fish will display: Rapid or erratic breathing. Use a reliable test kit to monitor pH levels, as well as other parameters like ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. This unique Synodontis swims upside down in order to feed on prey at the surface of the water. It can get up to 11. Lifespan. Moderate. 50. You can find this soecies at the most popular online fish stores, including: LiveAquaria — sells common, orange, and albino gold bristlenose plecos. Availability. Recently considered the possibility of getting an Asian upside down catfish instead of a featherfin catfish for my existing 473 liter (if I do end up going that route, I will make sure to get a male since they stay smaller than females), but am somewhat unsure, both in terms of choice and which would be a better. Lifespan: 10 years. 10. Their unusual behavior have been fascinating humans for centuries. Read on to discover the list of popular fish. Turushuki Catfish $50. Synodontis longirostris. 5 inches Upside Down Catfish can tolerate a wide pH range, but ideally, the water should have a pH between 6. 0-8. However, it can be kept with more active fish including larger barbs, such as tinfoils or lemon-finned, Apollo sharks and large cichlids. Other catfish species with three pairs of barbels are the. 5 inches in length and are probably sexually immature. Learn how to set up the perfect aquarium and feed your fish for a healthy, vibrant life. Stone catfish lifespan is not more than 5 years Hence, to ensure its longevity over the years, it is essential for fish owners to provide the dwarf catfish with adequate care. These fish will grow to be four and a half inches long. Its scientific name is Synodontis nigriventris. In ostariophysan: Annotated classification. Fish swimming upside. We can not complete the. Finley, Lee. The Dwarf Upside Down Catfish, otherwise known as Synodontis nigriventris, is a peaceful fish native to Zaire and the Niger River basin. These fish live in clear waters and are rarely found in deep waters over 30 feet. Max size: 4 inches. 5 to 4 inches from head to tail. May 11, 2023 - 10 min read. Under proper aquarium conditions and care, pictus catfish can live for about 5 to 8 years on average. 8 inches (30 cm) in length, though they usually only obtain 6 – 8” (15-20 cm) in the aquarium. pH: 6. 0 to 7. If given the right conditions, they can live for a long time. Keep up on water changes and maybe think about up grading to a larger tank. Life preserver Valentine rose Maple seed Disembodied voice Blarney Stone Roadrunner Auk Sherlock Holmes Gorilla Stone wheel Snakehead fish Titanoboa Nutcracker. Pictus Catfish are highly sensitive to ammonia and nitrites, so regular water changes are essential. We have made sure to cover all aspects of rearing Asian stone catfish in captivity. Synodontis membranaceus, known as the moustache catfish, is a species of upside-down catfish that is native to northern Africa. The Upside-Down Catfish is one of the most peaceful members of their genus, and may be kept with most other fish of a similar temperament, but should never be kept with aggressive fish. 379 Litres (100 US G. Although this fish is fairly durable, the aquarist must maintain a very large tank for them. Causes of short lifespans include poor water conditions, lack of proper diet, overcrowding in the tank, and stress. Of course, there are no guarantees with life expectancy. Hello all! Long story short. The palette depicts Narmer striking down an enemy with a mace; archaeologists know the. May 9, 2023. The upside-down catfish ( Synodontis nigriventris) is a small catfish with the unique habit of swimming and resting upside-down. nigroventris being one of them. Striped Raphael Catfish. You can solve constipation issues by feeding the cory catfish a boiled pea. Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C). The Upside-down catfish is an extremely unusual fish that has the amazing ability to swim upside down to more easily access food on the water surface or on the underside of rocks, wood, and the like. Africa. Striped Raphael Catfish. A sole Bandit Cory may have a significantly shorter lifespan due to exposure to high stress levels. The Burmese or Asian Upside Down Catfish is a unique, medium-growing species of Bagrid found in the rivers of Myanmar in Southeast Asia. And a 9 inch pleco. The. Shop Upside-Down Catfish (Synodontis nigriventris) and hundreds of other common and exotic freshwater aquarium fish direct from one of the leading aquarium fish breeders in North America since 1970. “The upside-down catfish seems to have a whole suite of adaptations that make life at the surface more tenable,” said Lauren Chapman, a biology professor at. Some love this for the cover it provides, while others depend on it for sustenance from the algae that naturally grows on it. 5: Diet : Omnivores but prefer a. Try a specific swim bladder treatment. Community with no small fish. West Africa has some beautiful and peaceful fish that are perfect for a mixed-species tank, including my favorite African dwarf cichlids and Upside-down catfish. multipunctatus is notable for its breeding behaviour - it is a brood parasite, similar to the cuckoo from which it. Stocking Ratio. Origin / Habitat : South America, Amazon and Orinoco River basins. The key to a long and healthy life for your Upside Down Catfish is to provide them with. Tiger Shovelnose Catfish. Like many other Catfish species, this too is a schooling fish, so keeping them in schools of 5 or 6 is best. How big do Burmese upside down catfish get? The average size of Upside Down Catfish is between 3 and 4 inches in length These creatures are on the. Life Expectancy: 5 years. Average Lifespan 5 – 10 years. Lifespan: 6+ years; Tank Level: All levels; Diet: Omnivore, eats most foods; pH: 6 – 7. A few days after I noticed the cotton fungus one morning, immediately used Jungle parasite clear, waited 1 night and it was getting worse. 2-7. Looking for information on Upside-Down Catfish? Well, you've come to the right place! These amazing little creatures have a lifespan of around 5 to 8 years, making them the perfect addition to any aquarium. Location. The ideal temperature for Cory catfish is between 72°F and 79°F (22°C – 26°C), so make sure that your heater is set correctly. Stone catfish lifespan is not more than 5 years Hence, to ensure its longevity over the years, it is essential for fish owners to provide the dwarf catfish with adequate care. There are several species called upside catfish, but they are all nocturnal hunters. The lifespan is 7-9 years. Do not expect this fish to lengthen as long as other catfish. With their unique swimming style and playful personalities, Upside-Down Catfish are sure to bring a smile to your face for years to. Water pH levels – Aim for somewhere between 6. Refusal to eat. If your fish already have swim bladder disorder, you can treat them with treatments we have mentioned before. Scientific Name : Synodontis nigriventris. This article will give an overview of Synodontis Catfish fish size, for sale, care, max size, food, species, tank size, breeding, full size, and price. Synodontis angelicus is a species of upside-down catfish commonly named polkadot squeaker, black clown catfish, whitespotted squeaker, pearl squeaker, or angel squeaker. The blotched upside-down catfish is well suited to aquariums because of its small size (typically 9 or 10 cm or less) and peaceful demeanor. The estimated life span and age of sexual maturity for upside-down catfish is unverifiable. The female lives are longer than the male. #2. The Julii Cory is almost identical in appearance to the Three Stripe Cory (#7). The Gold Nigrita Catfish (Synodontis nigrita), also known as the False Upside-Down Catfish, is an uncommon, medium-sized catfish species that boasts lovely golden coloration as it matures. Lifespan: 7-15 years: Water pH: 6 to 7. This species is native to the Congo Basin in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo. The average Upside Down Catfish lifespan is 5 years or more. Suckermouth Catfish. They are. Upside Down Catfish: Lifespan. As the name implies, this unusual fish spends most of its life swimming upside down, with its mouth and ventral surface facing up towards the water's surface, where it actively seeks out insects, crustaceans, and smaller fish as prey. It’s impossible to know precisely how long these fish will live. These types of catfish are known to swim upside down. Hardness 4 – 15 dGH. Swimming upside down at the surface has brought about some changes in these fishes as well. Have the fish swim in the solution for 15 to 30 minutes Remove the fish promptly and return him to his aquarium if he appears stressed or relieves himself. Africa. Advertisement The Upside-Down Catfish grows to 3. Ensure water hardness is within the suitable range of 5 to 20 dGH. Size. Life Expectancy: 5 years. So this weekend I got the chance to watch this super interesting. For most fish, swimming upside down is bad news. MMH 5. These catfish are small- to medium-sized fish with many species exhibiting attractive spotted markings. Behaviour. Causes, reactions, consequencesThe average goldfish lifespan is around 10 to 25 years with proper care, though the oldest one on record lived to be 43! 2) Common Minnows (Phoxinus phoxinus). The Upside-Down Catfish is known from the Congo River basin and drainages of the Kasai and Ubangi. 0 to 7. 2 catfish ,bristlenose x 2. For example, the Corydoras metae, or bandit cory, is also known as a bandit catfish,. 5 Growth, Size & Lifespan of Synodontis Catfish; 6 Synodontis Catfish Behavior and Temperament; 7 Types of Synodontis Catfish. 1242/jeb. outofwater Fishaholic. Looking for information on Upside-Down Catfish? Well, you've come to the right place! These amazing little creatures have a lifespan of around 5 to 8 years, making them the perfect addition to any aquarium. An upside-down Gold Inca Snail may have a hard time turning over when coming out of its shell. My beta, african feather fin catfish, and upside down catfish all leave the ghosts alone. Synodontis nigriventris. These medium-sized and robust fish are both visually striking and exhibit intriguing behaviour. Upside-down catfish are small fish that reach an adult size of 3. Yellow tetra ( Hyphessobrycon bifasciatus ): five years. 0 Tank Level: Bottom Colors: Black, White Diet: Omnivore Breeding: DifficultTo set up a community tank for a single Common Pleco and a few aggressive cichlids, you’ll need: 150-gallon or larger aquarium with a stand and cover/lid. Compatibility. They are easy to care for, eat just about anything, and get along with nearly all fish, including small tetras. So, you have to pay attention to the pH and Hardness level of the water. However, some species can grow up to 10 inches long. I found him acting a little abnormal for the recent two days, I did not think it was anything serious. Cory catfish: Coloration varies among this species from albino to brown. Location. The average Upside Down Catfish lifespan is about 15 years old! That means this species isn’t for the casual aquarist who isn’t looking for a long-term commitment. These catfish get to be about 3 or 4 inches in size, have beautiful spotted bodies, and can be added to tanks of at least 30 gallons or larger without much headache or hassle. Fish have a bad reputation for short lives, but with proper care they can live for at least three to five years. However, several factors can shorten that time significantly. However, he startles easily, and swims very quickly and erratically - in circles, in spirals, etc. 114 Litres (30 US G. Lifespan. Causes of short. Joined Jan 13, 2022 Messages 674 Reaction score 608 Location Boston. Omnivore Pellet Foods Flake Foods Live Foods Life Span. Synodontis Ocellifer Catfish $25. Even though the temperature is not a critical factor, but the Upside-Down. There are 2 pieces of bark in the tank that. Upside Down Catfish 101 Care Size Tank Mates. They also have a long life span compared to other aquarium fish, and can live up to 15 years! Their upside-down swimming habit is a very functional one: It enables them to produce less wave drag and feed more easily on insect. That’s going to be too crowded once the goldfish grows up. Blotched Upside Down Catfish. Logistical Solution. I almost never see them. Cory catfish: Coloration varies among this species from albino to brown. Mochokid catfishes are also known as squeakers and upside-down catfish. Lighting. 5 and moderate water flow. A minimum tank size for a single Pictus Catfish is 50 gallons, but 75 gallons or. Characteristics . Our coverage of Weird Waters is ongoing, with our regular feature — “Keeping the Cast” — exploring the real-life freshwater aquarium tropical fish that inspired the diverse cast of over 70 unique characters in the show. Upside Down Catfish have a dark colored. Synodontis are omnivores with a tendency towards carnivorous diet, eating a lot of detritus and mulm. 8. However inappropriate water parameters may also stress your cory catfish and cause it to swim in uncharacteristic patterns, including upside down. The cuckoo catfish belongs to the family of Mochokidae, which is known as the upside-down catfish and squeakers, but not all members swim upside-down. The species are often found in pools and slower-flowing areas of rivers. They prefer a pH range of 6. Once the aquarium has been set up and running for a minimum of 24 hours, six (6) 1. Dwarf Petricola, False Cuckoo catfish: Care Level: Easy: Lifespan: 20 years: Max Size: 3. High-quality canister and/or HOB filtration system (s) Any type of substrate. true upside down catfish, S. Aquarium Conditions for Upside-Down Catfish. Blue catfish usually have a longer lifespan than channel catfish. What is the lifespan of an upside down catfish? 15 years Upside-down catfish have been carved into Egyptian tomb walls dating back 4,000 years. They get along well with other small catfish as well as small peaceful fish such as small. These small fish grow up to 2 inches long and appear in various colors, usually with a horizontal brown stripe running along the fish’s bodies. The average glass catfish lifespan is between 7 and 8 years. Hello James, There is a species of Synodontis known as the Upside-down Catfish as mentioned in this post. Food: Flake, live feeders, frozen, pellets. Upside Down Catfish 3. The recommended tank size for Pictus catfish is 55 to 70 gallons for 5-6 individuals, more if kept in community tanks. Size : Up to 3. Today, they’re more often found in aquariums, where they can live up to 15 years and grow to be 4 inches long. I have seen plenty of these catfish live healthy long lives as the only one in the tank. The growth rate is very quick in the first year of life, then slows as the fish matures. Shipping Size: Approx. S. Banjo Catfish $3. Of course, there are no guarantees with life expectancy. Characteristics. Water hardness: 3-10° KH. Life span estimates range between five and 15 years. They commonly have a lifespan of 8 to 10 years, but there are reports of them living up to 25 years. 0 inches / 101 mm: Lifespan: 5 years: Water Parameters. The color change is of concern. One theory accounts for this unusual behavior as a feeding strategy. What is the lifespan of an upside down catfish? 15 years Upside-down catfish have been carved into Egyptian tomb walls dating back 4,000. If i was to get a pictus cat, how small is the smallest it can be so my 7" delhezi bichir wont eat it?Upside Down Catfish. A bloated stomach is only normal after feeding. 5 metres (15 feet) in length and 300 kilograms (660 pounds) in weight. Like many other Catfish species, this too is a schooling fish, so keeping them in schools of 5 or 6 is best. They have three pairs of barbels and are protected with an armor of bony plates across the entire body. An interesting oddball which mostly swims upside-down! Feels more secure if it has some hiding places such as plant matter or driftwood. His tank mates (that he dont eat lol) is a 7 inch upside down catfish. Water conditioner. They have the common barbels, used for tasting food deep in the substrate, and sharp spines on their pectoral and dorsal fin. These fish live in clear waters and are rarely found in deep waters over 30 feet. Updated: December 17, 2022 The upside-down catfish is a popular freshwater fish that is known for its unique swimming style… well, unique for a fish at least. Can fish swim upside down during a water change? In conclusion, water change, when done wrongly, can invite so many problems that you cannot even imagine. Arman Alamaar • June 18, 2023Life Span: 15 - 20 years; Breeding: Difficult, Egglayer; Featherfin Squeaker - Comments. The species name membranaceus refers to membranes present on the. The Redtail catfish is not suitable for life in an aquarium, although juvenile specimens are sometimes sold in fish stores. The Nigrita Catfish is a unique bottom dweller addition to most aquariums! The False Upside-Down Catfish, is an uncommon, medium-sized catfish species that boasts a mottled pattern. The growth rate is fast during the first year, and then it slows down as age. So how long do Catfish live? Catfish’s lifespan varies according to their species, but generally, they live for up to 20 years. Synodontis Catfish Lifespan The growth rate of Lace Catfish (Synodontis nigrita) is not uniform throughout their lifetime. Meanwhile, in the saltwater category of the aquarium hobby, lionfish sometimes swim upside down as a part of their normal behavior. The Upside Down Catfish is highly similar to the Cory Catfish in terms of size, structure, and attitude. One of the most common reasons fish float on their side is swim bladder disease. They can often be clearly identified in ancient Egyptian art and icons. The Nile Catfish is omnivorous feeding on crustaceans, mollusks, and insects as well as algae, plankton, and detritus. Africa. Blue catfish species are often referred to as “opportunistic feeders” because they are usually found feeding different kinds of bait fish that they have injured. Some hit 3 inches, other 6 or 7. White spots on the body. Is it a Brachysynodontis batonsoda or the smaller synodontis nigriventris. An upside-down catfish swims near the waterline. Here’s the reason behind a fish that floats upside-down, yet remains alive: The impaired buoyancy in fish is caused by a malfunction of their swim bladder. He is a lot more active now than a few days ago, and the crud is gone from his whiskers. 0 to mimic their natural habitat. D. The cost varies depending on the size and color. 5: Diet : Omnivores but prefer a carnivorous. In addition to being a fun fish to keep, Upside-down aquarium catfish need proper food. Synodontis Petricola is covered in numerous irregular dark brown spots, much smaller in size, and located on the head and ventral region. It can get up to 11. They are a suckermouth catfish. Jelovnik. 1. But how long do they live for? These cheerful fish can live up to 10 years in the right conditions, making them a great addition to any aquarium. 08 of 11. You’ll definitely want to try to fix. 5cm. As always "If it fits in the mouth" applies. The contamination feeds algal blooms and ultimately bacteria that consume the water’s oxygen. These fish. 18gals is a bit on the small side for the stocking you have but I've seen worse. . 0. We strongly advise against keeping Pictus in smaller tanks, despite them being low-bioload fish. How would they do in a 75g 48x18x21" tank with bichirs and dats? 2. Many fish are shoaling fish, best kept in schools of 10 or more. Oct 20, 2021. The fish generally inhabits in lentic waters, where the flow remains slow, and the bottom is covered in mud or sand. The Synodontis or “upside-down” catfish is native to rivers and streams of the Congo region of Africa. 74. The Upside Down Catfish is an omnivore and should be offered sinking catfish pellets, freeze-dried bloodworms and tubifex, plus a good quality flake food. AmphibiansDiet: CarnivoreAverage Life Span In The Wild: 10 to 15 yearsSize: Up to 12 inchesWeight: 2. Synodontis nigrita, known as the false upside down catfish, [2] is a species of upside-down catfish that occurs widely in northern Africa. To replicate their natural habitat, keep the water temperature at 75-80F, pH levels at 6-8, and water hardness between 4 to 20 dGH. Dive into the world of aquatics with upside-down catfish. Synodontis is the most widely distributed mochokidae genus, occurring throughout most of the freshwaters of sub-Saharan Africa and the Nile River system. was imbued with symbolic importance. Difficulty. However, it is important to note that traditional methods, such as examining genital papillae, prove ineffective due to their diminutive size. Sometimes, they will school. Upside Down Catfish is a freshwater fish species that requires a minimum tank size of 20 gallons. The minimum tank size recommended for this fish is 20 gallons long. Some species are also known for naturally swimming belly-up, earning the name upside-down catfish. Pendants made in the shape of the upside-down catfish was a popular. Lifespan : several years. (Josh Cassidy. It is normal for that species to swim upside-down. They get along well with other small catfish as well as small peaceful fish such as small. You can't add more fish. [4]The striped Raphael catfish is a great choice! Learn everything you need to know about caring for this beautiful and hardy fish, including tank requirements, diet, breeding, and more. The species are often found in pools and slower-flowing areas of rivers. Upside-down catfish have a special organ on their backs compared to other different types of catfish. Looking for information on Upside-Down Catfish? Well, you've come to the right place! These amazing little creatures have a lifespan of around 5 to 8 years, making them the perfect addition to any aquarium. Their behavior is the result of a bottom-dwelling fish adapting to take advantage of oxygen-rich water near the surface. Otocinclus Catfish. Upside Down catfish are highly sensitive to nitrates, and pristine water conditions. A Mekong netted in northern Thailand on May 1, 2005 weighed 650 pounds (293 kg), becoming the world record catfish. With their unique swimming style and playful personalities, Upside-Down Catfish are sure to bring a smile to your face for years to. General. The squeaker featherfin catfish has three pairs of barrels. In 2010, the documentary "Catfish" came out, and people couldn't get enough of it. Scientific Name: Synodontis Nigriventris. 114 Litres (30 US G. Further, this upside-down swimming posture makes surface feeding easier for the fish. Upside down Catfish. 5 - 2 inches and the other is about 3/4 of an inch. Payne's catfish, Mochokiella paynei, is very pretty and worth looking for. The Ultimate List of Bizarre Catfish Species. The False Upside Down Catfish is widely distributed across much of Africa, where it inhabits quiet backwaters as well as ponds and pools. Featherfin Catfish Lifespan. nigriventris are juveniles measuring about 1 to 1. Add to. Otocinclus Catfish. 3) The Bristlenose Pleco. He looked very healthy and actively in the past roughly 10 days. Scientific Name: Synodontis nigriventris. With their unique swimming style and playful personalities, Upside-Down Catfish are sure to bring a smile to your face for years to. Water temperature – You’ll want the tank set at a steady 68°F to 75°F that mimics sub-tropical water temperatures (make sure you have a good heater) Tank water hardness – This should be kept at approximately 7 to 10 degrees or 125 ppm to 160 ppm. For them to reach their maximum lifespan, their diet, water. Peaceful large catfish such as plecos and doradids would be a good choice, as would many non-aggressive cichlids. Check Compatibility. An introduction to Synodontis nigriventris, the Upside-Down Catfish. What is the life-span of a Pictus Catfish? Generally, a catfish can live till 8 years if taken good. As the name implies, this unusual fish spends most of its life swimming upside down, with its mouth and ventral surface facing up towards the water's surface, where it actively seeks out insects, crustaceans,. Upside-Down Catfish are known for their unique swimming style and ability to cling to surfaces. 5 corydoras. You’ll learn about their diet, size, lifespan, and more! Table of contents Species overview Appearance The upside-down catfish ( Synodontis nigriventris) is a small catfish with the unique habit of swimming and resting upside-down. Decors such as driftwood, sticks/branches, rocks and plastic plants. Otocinclus Care Guide & Species Profile. 0-7. 0 – 7. – Swimming slowly or not at all. 6 cm) Water Parameters : pH 6 - 8 | Temperature : 71°F - 79°F (22°C - 26°C) | Water Hardness : 5° to 12° dH. Psi; Mačke; Ptice; Mali kućni ljubimci; Ribe i akvariji; gmazovi; Konji; Životinje; Traži. Catfishes vary considerably in size. They can perform underwater acrobatics such as knife edges, barrel rolls, and extended namesakes. The key distinction is the consistency of the lines on the fish's head. Besjunior/Getty Images. Advertisements. Synodontis. Upside-down catfish. Looking for information on Upside-Down Catfish? Well, you've come to the right place! These amazing little creatures have a lifespan of around 5 to 8 years, making them the perfect addition to any aquarium. Lifespan. George Albert Boulanger, Zoology of Egypt: The Fishes of the Nile (London: Hugh Rees Limited, 1907), pl. The upside-down catfish is a close relative of the cuckoo catfish, and both species originate in Africa. The average Upside Down Catfish lifespan is about 15 years old! That means this species isn’t for the casual aquarist who isn’t looking for a long-term commitment. 12 Oct. This way cory catfish will have to dig less in the gravel. Synodontis are upside down catfish, with long barbed dorsal fins and some striking patterns. , vertical) substrate, however, the animals orient themselves. The inverted catfish for example was imbued with symbolic significance. isoft/Getty Images. LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10+ years.