Star sapphire growth rate

[Lazybum34]

Hey guys, I'm very excited to order my first star sapphire tomorrow. I'm choosing the 3 inch option due to the breeding project and me being on a budget. I already have 4 females waiting in a 75 gallon(will upgrade as they get older). I was wondering how long would it take for him to reach 4 to 5 inches and what age do they devolved speckles? He is going in my 38 gallon growout alongside a aulonocara baenschi.

Thanks in advance

 

[danotaylor]

With consistently clean water (nitrates <10 max on WC day) & high quality food he’ll be 5” in about 9 months. The speckles are a maturity thing and genetics. Mine had sparse speckles at 5” & developed a decent coverage in the 5-7” range at 2-3 years.
This was my guy @ 5.5” & about 2.5 yrs old…

 

[danotaylor]

This SS is 5 years old and about 8”. A buddy of mine pick it up for a customer of his. VERY expensive fish I would never pay what it cost, but considering it was a 5 year investment from the breeder it makes sense

 

[Lazybum34]

This SS is 5 years old and about 8”. A buddy of mine pick it up for a customer of his. VERY expensive fish I would never pay what it cost, but considering it was a 5 year investment from the breeder it makes sense
View attachment 1561390View attachment 1561391

Beautiful fish! a good friend i know has a nice six inch one with a few speckles I am going to pick up. How much would you sell a 2.5 inch unsexed fry for? I don't want to cull female fry.

 

[puffers4puffers]

Great fish!
Could be my favorite Malawian fish.
I do miss mine.

 

[danotaylor]

It really depends on the saturation in your local market. 2.5” unsexed retail in my area for around $25. Private sales around $15 or so.