Does breeding stop or greatly slow growth?

[scottthomas]

I have a very young pair that has laid eggs 5 times now. I am suprised that the male can even fertilize eggs already. I got them at 3.5" back on Jan 1st. Male now 6" and female 5.5" (Hes not very good, only passes over eggs a couple times and then leaves -over half unfertile and turn white)

Question: Is it true that once they start breeding often they wont grow as well, especially females? I wanted to grow them out larger.

If so,can I seperate them now and will that allow them to grow at a better rate?

Thanks

Scott

[Elite Aquaria]

My experience says yes...The energy needed to care for fry and constantly reproduce eggs takes away from the females ability to add size...But for me I really did not care since I was not planning on showing the fish and 6 inches was good enough in the past.