Growouts beating their batchmates in size

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H

hanzvelez

Candiru
MFK Member
Apr 21, 2010
109
6
48
Cagayan de oro city Philippines
I have 10 Rocio octofasciata growouts how do i help the smaller fry grow faster since only 4 are big whereas the others are at least only half their size. I am quite experienced with keeping and growing out fry but not in these numbers.
 
When I plan to really focus on a growout, I go without substrate. Simply because some of the fry tend to "eat" the live bio and "snack" on the food presented to them. Of corse genetics will play a part also but making sure all of their bellies get full from what you feed them is a big factor. Then you have to factor in different genders. That doesn't mean females can't keep up with males growth because they can... They just start slowing down sooner. Then of corse you know daily or frequent water changes help with growth. Unfortunately some just don't eat like there is no tomorrow... In my eyes they go in the category of not being fit for survival. If you really want to save them you can try seperating them to another tank so they don't have to fight for food. When there is a big obvious size difference... It is hard to impossible catching the smaller ones up within the same tank. Good luck with them.
 
Separate tanks sorted by size....keep separating as you notice size differentials...once they get to a size you can reliably sex them sort your "keepers" and culls.
 
I have heard fry release hormones that will stunt the smaller or weaker fry. You could try putting some carbon in a hob filter to eliminate the hormones or at least reduce the levels. Keep up frequent water changes also if you do use the hob idea cover the intake with some foam so the fry are not sucked in. Another thought is go to a larger tank for a grow out tank but still use the carbon.
 
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