Thanks for this valuable info my friend.
I agree with you that growth slows down once they hit 24 inches
A 3 ft red is a sight to be hold.
What about the colouration in those reds ? Are they orangish or reddish ?
the coloration doesnt matter , some still in orangy or even yellowish in colors, only a few could reached reddish color
not all big and matured fish could mate and brood , so you take whatever that you have