Growth is comparible to a rtc in some aspects. I have kept probably 7 in the past and currently have 3, they average about 12" in 6-8 months depending on the fish, and generally get to 18-24" in a year. So it varies, but you get the idea. My smallest I've had for 5 months and it's grown from 2" to 10". My largest is 18" from 2" in a year, but has severe cranial deformity, and would probably be 20" if his skull was not so curved. If you have any other questions I'm sure myself and many others can provide more advice. Oh, and I feed mine blood worms as babies, and krill after that, and shrimp after that, plus the ocasional fish fillet when they get large. There's no need to ever feed live food, but crayfish seem to be ok.