View Full Version : GT growth Rate?
Hello I have a 90 gallon tank with a Green Terror (2") and was just recently given a Convict (2"), and the convict is picking on the GT nonstop. Now the GT just seems to list in the upper corners of the tank. I'm wondering how long will it take to outgrow the convict? If too long I've been thinking of just throwing it in the roommates Turtle tank because I feel awful for the GT. THanks
TrikkyMakk
02-23-2009, 11:53 AM
The GT will get bigger over a few months. They do grow slow but they do grow. Assuming the convict doesn't kill him the tables will slowly turn and the convict will seek shelter.
One thing you might consider is putting in a school of silver dollars (at least 6). My GT doesn't pick on anybody since putting them in there. Check my tank setup and you will see I have similar to you.
cichlid fiend
02-23-2009, 11:57 AM
SLOW GROWTH RATE IF THE GT KEEPS BEING STRESSED OUT AND IF THE GT HAPPENS TO CATCH SOMETHING AND IS STILL STREESING IT WILL HAVE A HARDER TIME HEALING
Aquadi
02-23-2009, 12:20 PM
SLOW GROWTH RATE IF THE GT KEEPS BEING STRESSED OUT AND IF THE GT HAPPENS TO CATCH SOMETHING AND IS STILL STREESING IT WILL HAVE A HARDER TIME HEALING
:jaw-dropp
cichlid2006
02-23-2009, 1:27 PM
the speed at which your GT will grow depends on conditions and genetics. no 2 fish will grow exactly the same, for example i got roughly an inch a month till the 6" mark, then he slowed right down. but that seems to be an odd exception compared to most ive read about here. stress will not help.
even if he does surpass the con quickly enough, cons are considerably faster. my con used to do sneak attacks on my GT's tail and nick off into a hole too small for the GT. most of the time the GT just didnt even get a look at who bit him and just went after the nearest cichlid.
heavyhitter
02-23-2009, 5:51 PM
Size for size convicts are bad @$$.
GT grow very slow, actually so do cons.
Dither fish will help.
Cons do not require alot of space, sounds like you have a small tank. How big is it?
hailmike
02-23-2009, 5:56 PM
he has a 90g, i'm going to agree with everyone else.. toss in some dithers and it should help.
Pyramid_Party
02-23-2009, 6:00 PM
Also, try a divider meanwhile. Ive noticed that some fish that are bullied really bad will die. Not just from injuries but from the severe stress.
I don't know how fast cons generally grow, but GTs are slow growers. I wouldn't be surprised if the con grows faster for a while.
terd ferguson
02-23-2009, 6:41 PM
Like everyone else said, GT's grow slowly until they hit 6". Then it seems like growth stops, lol. I love them but they are very fragile in my opinion. By fragile, I mean they don't take to being picked on at all and they don't compete well for food with other tankmates (which makes growth even slower). Also, I've had more than one that were very susceptible to that white stringy poop parasite that wouldn't affect any other fish in the tank. They seem easily stressed by aggressiveness of tankmates. The GT's I've had are always the first to go and hide in the top of the tank by the filter from the first little chase or nip.
I love the GT's but I'll never have another due to the above reasons.
In the OP's situation, the Convict will probably outgrow the GT. The GT will likely be dead from stress or injuries before it has a chance to get some real size on the Convict.
thesquishy
02-23-2009, 7:28 PM
I've had my GT maybe 8 months now and he's just got to about 6-7in...but it was worth the wait for me! Now im waiting for my Blue JD's to grow.... :D
TrikkyMakk
02-23-2009, 7:39 PM
I've had my GT maybe 8 months now and he's just got to about 6-7in...but it was worth the wait for me! Now im waiting for my Blue JD's to grow.... :D
Good luck with them. They are fragile fish. Often pricey too.