Another TSN Growth Rate Question

[Dubeckyj]

Yes, another one.

I've been doing some research, and there's a question I have that I can't seem to find an answer to. How old are these fish that are 3'+?

I've read the 2-3" per month and slowing down after some kind of footage, and their max size can be in excess of 4 feet, but do we have some estimates as to the approx length over time? What're some of the oldest TSNs on the board and their respective sizes?

For example, the alligator gar (I'm a gar keeper) has a record max size ~10', but it's estimated the fish took 50-70 years to get that size. I haven't seen many pass 4' in captivity that weren't wild caught. Do any MFC'ers have captive raised TSN's that've reached 5' in a 14' pond in less than 10 years?

 

[thebiggerthebetter]

Sorry, I am nowhere near the caliber of a TSN keeper you are looking to hear from. I've raised about a dozen of them. None are with me anymore. My oldest fasciatum was ~3-4 years old and 2.5'. I had bought him at 2' about 1.5 years prior.

There are 4-8 types of TSN in the wild, depending which genus revision you believe. http://www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/genus.php?genus_id=116 So not all TSNs are created equal. The most common in the trade are tigrinum, fasciatum and reticulatum, I think.

My general impression is ~1.5'-2' in the first year, 2'-2.5' in the second, ~3' in 3-4 years, rarely would they grow longer, I'd guess in the cases of the biggest species 4'TL is attainable in ideal keeping conditions in perhaps 10 years.

 

[Dubeckyj]

I'm 80% sure I have a fasciatum. The sticky here says TSN & RTC have the same max size between 3.5' & 5', but that resource says a fasciatum will cap at 3.5'.

He's ~20" now, and almost 2 years old. I know growth rate depends on food, water quality, and genetics, but I'm trying to get a rough idea on when I'll need to upgrade. He's in a 55"x50" pond currently. So it seems like at least a year or two?

 

[showcase gars]

Well idk about a set growth i got my redtail hybrid. I got him When he was 4inches i kept him for maybe 5 months he was 17 inches! Already.

 

[thebiggerthebetter]

He's ~20" now, and almost 2 years old. I know growth rate depends on food, water quality, and genetics, but I'm trying to get a rough idea on when I'll need to upgrade. He's in a 55"x50" pond currently. So it seems like at least a year or two?

IMO and according to the rules I chose to follow for myself, the width is good but the length is not - he almost needs an upgrade now... or at least definitely when he hits 2', which will probably be in 6 months at most (in average conditions). Sorry, probably not the answer you are seeking. Just my opinion. Good luck, bro.