1. About how long does it take the fry to reach 1" after they hatch?
- Depending on diet, water changes and temperature, at least two months with higher temperature(82+), every other day water changes, and multiple high protein feedings a day, but can take three or four months if any of these parameters are lowered.
2. I can only find smaller ones (2"). How long would it take for them to reach adult size?
-I got my original batch of two dozen at just under an inch long and within a year, the largest were pushing four inches. Again, this is with heavy water changes and feedings, as well as temps of 82+. Its been almost two years now and the most dominant males are roughly 6 inches with tail and happily breeding in my pond.
3. What size do they start laying?
-I found that mine started flaring and chasing each other around 2"/2.5" but didn't notice any attempts at spawning until about 3".
4. Do you let them raise the fry? If not then what do you do?
-Yes! It is absolutely fun to watch the parents spitting fry and taking turns corralling the little babies into their mouths. Yes, it will take the parents a few tries to get the fry to free swimming and not eat them, but once they get the hang of it, they will continue to produce offspring on a regular basis. Also, when I had them indoors, I would pull a pair and put them in their own twenty gallon tank when I noticed spawning behavior. They will do a much better job with the fry when they don't have the stress of tankmates.
5. What water parameters did you breed them in?
-I don't do anything fancy to my water. Its plain old de-chlorinated tap water. The important thing is that your water chemistry is consistent, and keep up with the water changes. Their color and behavior seems to really come out the more attention their tank gets.
