What is a runt and how do you spot one?

[BlueBull]

As in the title, how do you spot a 'runt'????
What |I|S a 'runt'?

[Ardan]

Hi,
If you have a group of discus and there is one that is smaller than the rest, that would be the runt. Oftentimes there is a "pecking" order established in the tank too where one fish dominates and "rules" and usually the "runt" takes the brunt of the bullying. the runt may not grow much due to varying reasons, stress of being bullied could be one of the reasons.

hth

[Jeff]

At times a runt will only reach 2-3" however the eyes will keep growing until they are the size of a full grown discus. So the eyes are not correctly sized to the body.

[Carol_Roberts]

. . . and generally they are longer (nose to tail) than tall giving them a football or oval shape . . . .

[Aquarius]

This is a pic of a runt, the discus is around 7-8 months old. He still eats great now that he's in a community tank. Hard to say if it was the shipping or the fact that he didn't ajust in time, but never was able to compete for food as much as the others.

It would be hard to "Spot" a runt in a group of young discus IMO, as anyone of them could end up as one.

-steve

[Jeff]

Very good example. Thanks for the pic.

[BlueBull]

So what should we do with 'runts'? Will they live shorter lives or need special care?

[Carol_Roberts]

I always keep some runts on hand to throw in the Q-tank with new arrivals to make sure the new fish aren't carrying anything

[Aquarius]

My 6 year old wouldn't let me let this one go, so its in his tank. Other then that, nothing special, save for what Carol stated.

I also wanted to see how the 76F temp would have an effect. So far, nothing.. this little guy swims with the 2 angles back and forth all day in the front looking for food

-steve

[SLY]

[quote author=Carol_Roberts link=board=21;threadid=7617;start=0#81954 date=1046720215]
I always keep some runts on hand to throw in the Q-tank with new arrivals to make sure the new fish aren't carrying anything
[/quote]

Carol did u ever notice that runts are always tougher..they don't get sick that easily after they get stunted..this is what I have been observing and found out.

[Carol_Roberts]

I hadn't really thought about it, but you may be right, Sly. They do hold their own with the big fish . . . .

[SLY]

ya that's why I would never trust a runt hehe.

Hey Sly,
I noticed some of the fish in your pictures look like they might have come from Mr. Jack Wattley, am I correct in assuming so? I ask because I have some babies i got from him recently and they are IDENTICAL to a couple of yours, especially the leopard and the snowflake. They look like they came from the same spawn!
Great thread guys. That picture of the runt is a good reference for beginners.

[cedar]

This is a pic of a runt, the discus is around 7-8 months old. He still eats great now that he's in a community tank. Hard to say if it was the shipping or the fact that he didn't ajust in time, but never was able to compete for food as much as the others.

It would be hard to "Spot" a runt in a group of young discus IMO, as anyone of them could end up as one.

-steve

Hi there, if you could send me a picture of that runt you describe it would be appreciated. I can't seem to see the picture....

[Larry Bugg]

Hi there, if you could send me a picture of that runt you describe it would be appreciated. I can't seem to see the picture....

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