1, what is a typical dat growth expectation? This is assuming they are stable and eating on a regular schedule. I will most likely be able to find/afford an at/ntt/ It from what I am understanding.
Well in my experience the most easy going dats are D. Polota and D. Microlepis. They will start eating quite readily.
The polota doesn't grow very big, but will reach a respectable 12+" size, in 7-8 years.
The microlepis grow bigger, but I haven't kept one for more than 7 years, I have two specimens at that age, I got them at 1.5" today one of them is 10-11", the other one last I had seen was 7-8".
The NTT in my experience are a bit finicky if bought at bigger sizes, but any fish smaller than 3" will readily accept frozen foods and will be out and about during feeding times.
2, how well do dats travel/ ship? I am planning to move in roughly a year. Most likely to ship on a plane and would be in transit for an estimated 6-8 hrs. I have been told by a guy selling that they are fine with shipping but want to cross reference.
Big dats don't travel well, strong fish with spiky fins. At smaller sizes they are like any other fish.
3, are they good to have in groups or just solo? I have seen a mixture of a few different set ups.
Well the species you're looking at are ok in groups, they can be kept single specimens too.