Faster growing with high water flow
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I would disagree with this assunption. Faster growth is usually achieved with confinement to reduce energy expenditure. This will reduce the effort/energy to find food and optimise food utilisation. Also a higher temperature will increase metabolism and appetite for better food conversion. Continous feeding or multiple small feeds are better than one large feed again for faster and optimal food conversion and utilisation. Depending on the fish species, photoperiod (day length) may be manipulated advantageously. Food quality and content will also play a large part. Confinement doesnt necessarily mean small water volumes though, smaller tank sizes can still have large water changes to remove growth inhibiting hormone, parasites, waste, protein buildup to reduce any growth rate differences and size disparity. Confinement can also be simulated with high stocking densities which reduces the stimuli for competition and predation. Think of asia where they keep and grow food fish in small bamboo cages in streams. The fish will continue to grow large regardless of the cage size.
Of course there are always extremes and exceptions so use some common sense but fast water would mean slower growth rates as a general rule.
Of course there are always extremes and exceptions so use some common sense but fast water would mean slower growth rates as a general rule.
Some of the garras, a few loaches, torrent cats, some madtoms, and some hillstream loachs, stonerollers, stone carp, and some Barilius species all do best with current. I don't think that they grow faster but they stay healthier and live longer than if they are kept in still or slow water. I have been told that payara are the same way.
A lot of studies indicate fast growth (rapid size) is proportionally correlated to shorter lifespan. This is only a general trend but something to consider for all those who power feed and want fast huge fish. It may be best for slow gradual growth with long lifespans instead.