growth rate of P Senegal

[grayishtuna6]

okay, bought a senegal when he was about 2 inches a while back (6-8 months ago), hes now around 6-6.5 and eating bloodworms, mysis, and beefheart cubes. my question is this. It seems like his growing has slowed or stopped completely (i noticed this a while ago but now i found this site and i want to clarify the issue). why is this? i know SOME fish grow really fast then they stop for a while and it takes years for them to reach full size. is this the case because he grew to 6 inches almost over night now nothing.

i feed him one random cube a day, should i feed him more?... less???? does he need more food/different food or is it just his time in life to slow down?

by the way he is very healthy/happy in his tank, always big chillin and keeping me company.

hes in a 55.

 

[Chub_by]

The reason is that they do not grow steadily but rather in spurts. Mine was purchased at 4" grew to 6" in a few months, and since then its grown 2" in a whole year.
So basically, you can expect it to grow slower now and every once in a while it will have a growth spurt.

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[grayishtuna6]

thank you Chub_by. i thought that was the case, im still wondering if im feeding him enough though. one cube a day.

 

[Chub_by]

By Cube, do you mean frozen Brine Shrimp, Bloodworms etc.?
If so, I would suggest feeding him larger foods also, for example shrimp, tilapia pieces or smelt/silversides.
Mine(and my ropefish) also get brine shrimp but not as a staple, more as a treat.

 

[grayishtuna6]

yes, specifically, these cubes

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11785689&lmdn=Product+Type&f=PAD%2FpsNotAvailInUS%2FNo

http://www.petsmart.com/product/ind...686&lmdn=Product+Type&f=PAD/psNotAvailInUS/No

and if im correct, you are reffering to feeding him these instead?

http://www.petsmart.com/product/ind...607&lmdn=Product+Type&f=PAD/psNotAvailInUS/No

how many how often? it looks like they are individual pieces. i cant tell from the picture.

 

[Chub_by]

I wouldn't feed Beefheart; mammal protein and fat aren't easily digestible for fish.
A healthy diet would consist of:
Sinking pellets (not a must)
Shrimp (easily obtainable in your local supermarket)
Tilapia or Pangasius(also supermarket)
Blood worms, brine shrimp etc.
Smelt/Silversides.

I would cut the silversides up into small mouth-sized pieces, and feed him as much as he will take in a few minutes.
When young they can be fed every day. I feed mine every 2-3 days.
I hope I was able to answer your questions.

 

[woofy]

They grow fast their first years slow down significantly. My 4 year old is 8" now and it took a while to get those last 2". They love the silversides but best to cut in pieces.


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[grayishtuna6]

you are awesome! i have some sinking pellets but he doesnt really go for them. ill be sure to get some shrimp or talapia too, and mix it up a bit.

 

[Chub_by]

As I said, Pellets are beneficial, but not a must. A diet consisting of what you are feeding him right now and what you plan to feed him is perfectly fine.

 

[Dr.B]

You guys are looking at the food. Look at it like this they are the most common polypterus out there so they have been breed a lot. And some people don't care baout the genes just the money like the large chain stores. So it's probably bad genes. Or like i've found with mine they get really fat then the next day they are like 2 inches longer so since this is a very ancient fish you might have to wait a couple months and measure and if he hasn't grown even the slightest bit then i would start researching but until then don't worry just enjoy him.