Subordinate male not maturing...

[Orthopod]

I have 2 males in my larger tank (Had 3 and moved 1) and have a subordinate male pure BD that has not matured the way his counter part has.

The underdeveloped male (same age > than 2 years of age as the mature male) has claspers that are not developed like the other. Very small and not sexually mature - has anyone had similar experience the the subordinate developing more slowly?

 

[Orthopod]

Bump

 

[Orthopod]

By the lack of response, I’m guessing no one else has seen this.

Interestingly enough the male is growing but not to the same size as the other but not maturing. I have had him for just about 2 years now.

 

[Chief Tom]

Is it able to eat enough? I'm almost hand feeding a yellow lab because she is scared to go near a socolofi the exact same size who really just wants to play. She's like a scared puppy.

 

[Orthopod]

Is it able to eat enough? I'm almost hand feeding a yellow lab because she is scared to go near a socolofi the exact same size who really just wants to play. She's like a scared puppy.

Fat, healthy and no issue so I’m a little stumped.

 

[ShadowStryder]

In many species of fish in communities with multiple males a mature male can produce a hormone that inhibits (slows) maturing on younger males. Best way eleviate this is to do extra water changes a week. Smaller but more frequent. It removes or reduces the hormone. Took my male BD almost 5 yrs to mature with a mature male Hen in the same setup. He has since fathered multiple litters.

 

[Orthopod]

In many species of fish in communities with multiple males a mature male can produce a hormone that inhibits (slows) maturing on younger males. Best way eleviate this is to do extra water changes a week. Smaller but more frequent. It removes or reduces the hormone. Took my male BD almost 5 yrs to mature with a mature male Hen in the same setup. He has since fathered multiple litters.

Good advice and it offers a reasonable explanation - thanks!