How old are these Discus?

[SimmonM]

By just looking at these fish would it be possible for anyone to estimate how old they are? Some of these pics have Neon's swimming around for size comparison.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3d905b3127cce8b2cb082c1db0000001610
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3d905b3127cce8b2cb640402a0000001610
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3d905b3127cce8b2cb630405a0000001610
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3d905b3127cce8b2cb72381e10000001610
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3d905b3127cce8b2ccaf240a60000001610
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3d905b3127cce8b2cca93c1f70000001610

Thanks in advance,
Simmon
Simmon_Mohan@yahoo.com

[Anna Piranha]

Hi Simmon,
In one of my tanks I have 4 Discus that I inherited. I know that two of them are at least one year old, however, these fish are at least 2 - 2.5 inches smaller than another set of one year-olds I have. This is just to say that size alone can't be used in determining age. The reason for the stunted growth of my new fish is, I believe, parasites. I am treating for that now. I don't know if I will be able to put any more size on them. So, while this is not really an answer to your question, this has shown me that size alone can’t be used in determining age. I would be interested in knowing if there are other ways to determine age. If they were horses, I’d just open their mouth and look at their teeth :cowboy:

- Anna

[SimmonM]

Thank you Anna.

These fish were bought by someone I know from our local pet store. The person who sold them to him didn't know how old they were either so I was just curious.

This all struck my fancy after reading the other thread concerning Discus growth rate.

Thanks once again!
Simmon
Simmon_Mohan@yahoo.com

[crazy4discus]

they look like there 2.5 to 3 inches in size rite? my guess is probaly 6-7 months old unless they were kept at the fish store for awhile and just didnt grow

[barron]

Hi

An adult will normaly have a tip off the dorsal fin.
I do not see any, so under a year more then likely.

Barron :)

[BlueTurquoise]

Yes under a year, probably even only 6-7 months old.

Hi anna! long time no see! :wave:

[SimmonM]

they look like there 2.5 to 3 inches in size rite? my guess is probaly 6-7 months old unless they were kept at the fish store for awhile and just didnt grow


They all range somewhere in between that size. I have no idea how long they were kept at the pet store before they were purchased. I am considering taking these from my friend as he's looking towards an Arowana (sp?) now.

Thanks once again to all for your help!
Simmon
Simmon_Mohan@yahoo.com

[SimmonM]

Hi

An adult will normaly have a tip off the dorsal fin.
I do not see any, so under a year more then likely.

Barron :)


Hi Baron. You say a tip off the dorsal fin? I don't completely understand - could you possibly elaborate?

THanks again,
Simmon
Simmon_Mohan@yahoo.com

[barron]

Hi Simmon

Scroll down the page you will see the picture of an older Discus with the tip on fin.

http://www.zestweb.com/articles/sexing/sexing.html

Barron :)