Mine went from about 4 inches to almost nine in about a year. Does need brackish as it gets bigger.Always hid with the bigger aggressive fish but in a community is out all the time. Feed mine on frozen brine,bloodworms and well chopped shrimp and beefhearts.Only gets annoyed when another bottom dweller gets n his cave.Likes to dig and will rearrange the decor.It is a really neat looking fish,just watch openings that they can fit into. They will jump and can move several feet from where they land. They also will try to get into filters and decorations so keep an eye out.