people say they have very slow growth rates. total bull. they grow extremely quickly IF they are kept in a large enuf tank that they can swim in a nonstop motion. they r called sharks for a reason. they7 NEVER stop swimming. so if a large enuf space is given, they can grow extremely successfully and to MONSTROUS sizes. i rescued mine at 14'' and 7 months later in my pond he is over 2 feet long (26''). I feed him massivore pellets. largest one ive seen iun captivity was a 5 foot monster living with pimas. it was magnificent.