Does this 6 month old discus look healthy?

[dnkn]

I'm considering buying some red pandas from a fellow hobbyist. Here's an average sample of the batch:

129463

They're six months old, and range in size from about 2.5" to a little over 3".
I'm new to discus and by no means an expert, but does that seem like an acceptable growth rate? I'm concerned that they may be stunted.
I would really appreciate some feedback from all the experienced discus owners/breeders out there.

Thanks

[seanyuki]

Different strains may applies.
2.5-3" ins are about 3 months
3-3.5" ins are about 3-4 months
4-4.5" ins are about 5-6.5 months
5.” ins are about 6-9 months
5.5” ins are about 12-15 months
6-7 “ ins are about 24 months

[dnkn]

Yeah I found charts like that too. According to that chart, this little guy is the size he should have been at 3 months. But as you say, different strains may grow differently.
I don't have the experience to know if this is just a small strain, or a stunted fish. It looks pretty round, but the eye seems like it might be too big. Would you be concerned with the fish pictured?

I know there are people out there that could tell at a glance. I'm just not one of them ... yet.

[danotaylor]

I agree with Francis, though the eye to body ratio of the fish pictured looks pretty good. Are they from Alex at Bay Area Discus? If so, his batch pics looked pretty awesome...if not, maybe you should buy his! ;)

[dnkn]

They are from Alex. He gave me permission to ask the group.

[danotaylor]

The pics he posted on the FS thread look great. I wouldn't hesitate to buy them if it were me in the market for some young pandas to raise!

[dnkn]

Thanks Daniel. That does make me feel better.

Would anyone else care to chime in? I'm hoping for a consensus ..

[LizStreithorst]

The Discus in the pic doesn't look 6 months old to me.

[bluelagoon]

Here is an average growth chart.https://diskuszucht-stendker.de/plugins_en/pdfs/1.5_Alter_und_Groessee_unserer_Diskusfische_en.pdf

[peewee1]

It is the photo that does not do the fish justice. The other photos of them swimming look like very nice fish.

[CliffsDiscus]

They don't look 6 months unless they are stunted.

Cliff

[rickztahone]

I agree, the discus pic shown is not a 6 month old discus.

[danotaylor]

Jacob did Alex say they're 6 months old? Seems like the consensus is that they do not look 6 months old, but if they are, then yes, they would be stunted.
Check back in w Alex to see if he has records of the actually spawn & hatch dates.

[SpeedDiscus]

Mine are around 6 months old and are much larger and more developed than those pictures.

[Moreetta]

that is larger from its normal size

[dnkn]

He said they were hatched on 5/15.

[peewee1]

The fish may be 6 months old and the photo may not be 6 months old. Various strains grow a different rates. The fish shown in the swimming photo were nice looking fish. If this is one of those then the photo fo the fish in the hand does not do the fish justice.

[Bay Area Discus]

So my records for that fry are:
5/15 - eggs
5/18 - black spots
5/20 - swimming on parents
5/29 - free swimming
So I could say the time of picture were taken they were around 5+ months and considering parents are not so big (5"+) they still could be a little under sized.

[LizStreithorst]

Do you feel that the one in the hand pic is the same quality as the ones in the swimming pic, Alex? I know that was not the question. The fish does appear healthy.

[Bay Area Discus]

Do you feel that the one in the hand pic is the same quality as the ones in the swimming pic, Alex? I know that was not the question. The fish does appear healthy.

Ahh.. I did a mistake I fed them and then pick out to take a pic :(
I regret it right away... good lesson for future never do something like this.

[peewee1]

I am not a fan of hand held fish fotos. A fish looks its best swimming, not flopping. I do not like hand photos because it is picture of a fish at its worst, and you want to sell the fish. Unless you wear gloves or your hand is wet the acids on your fingers will eat at the slime coat. No slim, no infection and disease protection. When your fish leaves it comfy home in the water and goes to your hand the stress factor for the fish increases by 135%. The only reason I can see to hold a fish in your hand for a photo is to prove how long it is why is that proof even needed? Anyone would believe you if you took a swimming photo and then said that it was 3 inches long.

[Bay Area Discus]

I agree. It is also stress for fish. But sometimes people asks for it.