I am going to have a go at breeding some Channa sp. Assam. I believe these guys only get to 4-5". Waiting for my supplier to get them in. Another really small SH is Bleheri which is another 5-6"er.
I knew a guy back in Michigan that grew his 2 inch long fry to full size, 8 inches or so, in less than a year and had them breeding. Not quite as fast as the redlines, but by no means slow either.
Gachua is a good fish, a batch will soon start to fight til they kill off the weak and
pair up, if kept in a good evironment. I have a world record size at 11 1/4" she's a big girl. Most grow to around 8".
When they pair up, all hell breaks loose for other weaker fish. If you don't think
they are agressive, then you don't have a pair. Mine have spawned a few times
and should get it right in the next few weeks .
How about some dwarf 5 stripes? I have a friend with a breeding pair, so you Maryland peeps will be in luck soon.