6 month old and only 3 inches? Adult potential?

[neb_16]

Hi everyone, just a quick question regarding growth...
A few weeks back, I purchased 6, 6 month old tangerine discus from a local private breeder. I am a bit concerned about the size. Most are right about 3 inches (total length) while one is pushing 3.5 inches TL. There is also one that is barely 2.25 inches TL. This seems to be a bit small for 6 month old discus, and I am wondering if I bought them slightly stunted. Currently, they are in a 150g bare bottom (a few potted plants), getting beefheart mix 6-7 times per day, along with water changes every other day. So my question is... Will these grow to a decent size as adults, given that I continue the care I am currently giving them? I realize that they may not achieve 7-8 inches and I don't really have a need for show quality discus. I would, however, like to have them grow to a decent size and live healthy lives (who wouldn't?). What do you guys think about this? Will they be able to sustain growth considering I intervened at a rather young age? They are all incredibly energetic, and have unbelievable appetites - they would eat 20 times a day if I would feed them! just looking for some thoughts on this matter. Thanks!
Nathan

[Discus_1]

Would you be able to get some pictures of them?

[neb_16]

70944

[neb_16]

70945

[neb_16]

Those are some pictures from when I initially had them in my semi planted aquarium. I have sense decided to put them in the barebottom with my other juvenille discus to try to increase their growth...

[neb_16]

70947

[Skip]

6 months.. 3" .. yikes.. thats no bueno
well, they grow to be 6" fish.. probably not..
just keep feeding then and see what happens..

ps.. don't buy more from this puppy mill breeder

[damba]

+1 but as long as they are happy and you are happy...

Sent from my GT-I5800 using Tapatalk

[neb_16]

I mean they seem very happy. Again, very energetic and eat like crazy. How big do you guys think adult size will be, considering they will get excellent care/tons of feedings/pristine water from 6 months on?

[TURQ64]

No predictions on how big; that's a genetic issue. I don't see stunting in the first pic..Well fed, they'll probably be average in size...

[DiscusOnly]

My personal opinion is that you got "left over" discus from the local breeder. The one on the right in the 2nd picture doesn't look that good. Will it grow to 7-8 inches. Most discus don't. You will be surprised that not a lot of discus keeper have 7-8 inches discus in their tank(s), even on Simply Discus.

At 6 months, it should have a much better shape. Can they still be happy/healthly discus and you can enjoy? Most definitely.

I personally have a few discus that I've been growing the last year now that are only 4" (maybe) but I've kept them regardless since they are happy.

Just remember, never look back with regrets. Everything is about the experience. Enjoy your discus.

[Skip]

basically there is no prediction to be given.. keep them alive, give them clean water.. have fun..

if you want a 6"-7" fish.. then buy one.. somebody will have gone thru all the headaches and pain to grow it.. so you can just skip all that trouble :)

[Lighthouse7]

Try putting them in a 20 g change 70 + % water changes - Lighthouse

[Altum Nut]

It maybe a little to late because thread is 4 years old.

...Ralph

[Lighthouse7]

Ya lol....! - Lighthouse

[rickztahone]

Try putting them in a 20 g change 70 + % water changes - Lighthouse

I applaud the research though :)