Growth rate of a juvenile VATF?

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Jakob

Jakob

Piranha
MFK Member
Feb 22, 2008
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Iceland
I'm thinking about getting an ATF. I quickly ruled out GATF because of aggression, also Vits are more colorful. I would order the VATF through a local lfs, the Vits are 4". I have a 2' wide 125g that I would keep him in until he grows out the tank.
How fast do VATFs grow the first 2 feet? (and inches per month?)
How long do you think the 125g would last a 4" VATF? (Not many tankmates, a couple of Dats)
 
ATF grow NO MORE than one inch per month. If you feed it at a moderate level, you will see 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch per month. It will grow a bit quicker to about six inches, then it will settle down to the aforementioned rates.

If you cater the tank to the needs of the ATF and feed him slowly, you should be able to keep him in that tank for about 18 months to two years. It is essential that you cater the tank to him however or you're gonna run into trouble by the time he gets about ten inches.
 
Chicxulub said:
ATF grow NO MORE than one inch per month. If you feed it at a moderate level, you will see 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch per month. It will grow a bit quicker to about six inches, then it will settle down to the aforementioned rates.

If you cater the tank to the needs of the ATF and feed him slowly, you should be able to keep him in that tank for about 18 months to two years. It is essential that you cater the tank to him however or you're gonna run into trouble by the time he gets about ten inches.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the answer. But what do you mean by "catering" the tank to him?
 
They need tons of current and lots of open space. They're not really compatible with fish like cichlids until they're bigger, as most of the 'normal' tank fish will grow much faster than the ATF and with either out-compete it or kill it outright. Also, back to the current issue: ATF will develop slime coat issues and infections if they're kept in calm water. They are current loving river fish and this must be catered to or they will die. Most 'normal' aquarium fish will be stressed by the level of current that ATF need in order to thrive. So basically, if you don't design your tank around the needs of the ATF, you're very likely to have your fairly expensive new tiger fish kick the bucket!
 
Chicxulub said:
They need tons of current and lots of open space. They're not really compatible with fish like cichlids until they're bigger, as most of the 'normal' tank fish will grow much faster than the ATF and with either out-compete it or kill it outright. Also, back to the current issue: ATF will develop slime coat issues and infections if they're kept in calm water. They are current loving river fish and this must be catered to or they will die. Most 'normal' aquarium fish will be stressed by the level of current that ATF need in order to thrive. So basically, if you don't design your tank around the needs of the ATF, you're very likely to have your fairly expensive new tiger fish kick the bucket!
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice Chicxclub, much appreciated.
I will put a couple powerheads in the tank before I purchase the ATF.
Concerning tankmates: They would only be temporary, also slow growers.
 
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