Just getting back to the original poster, while A. pulcher are a very easy species to spawn, at least you know they're happy and healthy if they continue to do so on a regular basis - size isn't everything, giant does not necessarily equate to healthy or happy.
On the topic of growth and life span, I'm with RD. (and science [it seems], and experience) and agree that higher temperatures equate to shorter life spans. How much is indeterminate. After researching T. candidi for example, even acidic water and breeding behaviour can heavily affect life span in some cases (ie. Acidic/humic environments giving a life span of only 12-24 months with regular breeding vs occasional spawning in soft neutral but with extended life span). I've also seen numerous reports, none of which I have links on hand for, where high protein diets and higher temperates to increase the metabolism have resulted in growth that have expedited the onset of age characteristics such as bent backs in larger cichlids.
Being a fan of slow growing species, and having kept them for the last few years (S. leucosticta, currently G. argyrostictus), you realise the whole monster protein powerfeeding really isn't necessary. A good water changing schedule mixed with a quality, balanced diet will give good results at less expense to the fishes health than cramming them full of Beefheart and Bloodworms four times a day.
On the topic of growth and life span, I'm with RD. (and science [it seems], and experience) and agree that higher temperatures equate to shorter life spans. How much is indeterminate. After researching T. candidi for example, even acidic water and breeding behaviour can heavily affect life span in some cases (ie. Acidic/humic environments giving a life span of only 12-24 months with regular breeding vs occasional spawning in soft neutral but with extended life span). I've also seen numerous reports, none of which I have links on hand for, where high protein diets and higher temperates to increase the metabolism have resulted in growth that have expedited the onset of age characteristics such as bent backs in larger cichlids.
Being a fan of slow growing species, and having kept them for the last few years (S. leucosticta, currently G. argyrostictus), you realise the whole monster protein powerfeeding really isn't necessary. A good water changing schedule mixed with a quality, balanced diet will give good results at less expense to the fishes health than cramming them full of Beefheart and Bloodworms four times a day.
