breeding stunts growth?

[Kyla]

i have read that breeding can stunt the growth of discus that arent finished growing. is this correct?

is it the energy used in production and laying of the eggs/fertilizing that stunts them, or the raising of the young?

i have heard suggestions to separate young breeders... but if the egg production causes stunting, how would one even prevent a female from producing eggs? couldnt separation of the fish lead to egg binding? i know other female species of breeding age can develop eggs without a male present so im guessing the same is true for discus?

in a group setting, if growing discus decided to pair off and lay should we be discouraging this? if so, what suggestions do u have (besides removal)?

so many questions.. thanks for any advice!!

[Second Hand Pat]

Hi Kyla, it is the rearing of fry that slows the growth of young fish. Another possible issue is sometimes a female who is laying eggs will stop eating or slow her eating. Some of the large breeders will separate by gender to keep the focus on growing.
Pat

[John_Nicholson]

I have never worried about it at all. I do think it slows down the females growth but over the long haul if she is healthy and properly cared for I do not think it really matters much.

-john

[nc0gnet0]

I agree with John that it is primarily a female issue, and as Pat says, really only a factor if they raise the fry.

[Kyla]

perfect, thank you!