What would make cichlids growth stunt

[neutrino]

I've seen poor growth or stunting result from sickness or stress at the fry or juvie stage. Protein or feed levels that are way off from their requirements can also be a factor (including way too high according to some studies I've seen). Sometimes you just get a weak individual that seems to struggle and not grow well from the start (might be simple genetics, but also biochemistry issues, like hormones that don't fire as they're supposed to, whether due to environmental, nutritional, or other factors).

Also, some ingredients/food sources that are digestible at later stages are not so much at early or initial fry stages when their digestive process is still in development, and some foods that are good at early stages are less beneficial as the fish develops. This aspect gets complicated, so rather than try to research and figure out all the science I just go with personal experience of what works for me.

I've also had runts that eventually overcame whatever their early weakness was and later turn into nice big adults.

 

[mabirchell]

Stress stress stress!!! I've got a green terror that was put in the tank about the same time as my male jack dempsey. A year and a half later the jack is around 8 inches and the gt is around 4. The jack bullied the gt for the longest time but has finally grown out of it. The gt has now put on size and color. It's still in its juvenile coloring! Water diet was and is great! Just adding to what everyone else said. Great thread!


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[rich4297]

Good info


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[Oscarowner84]

• [h=2]Space[/h]
  • How much room the fish have is critical to their size and growth rate. Cichlids that are cramped for space will not grow as fast or as large as those that have plenty of room. The exact amount of space that a cichlid requires will vary depending on the size of the fish as well as on its individual characteristics, since some of these fish remain in a relatively small area while others are fast swimmers that need lots of room. Many cichlids grow to 8 inches or more in length, and these typically need tanks that hold at last 55 gallons, and in many cases a minimum of 100 gallons is preferable.
    
    
  [h=2]Water Quality[/h]
  • In addition to needing plenty of space to grow well, cichlids need water that is free of a high level of contaminants and is maintained at the appropriate pH level. Cichlids do best with a pH level of 7.8 to 8.5. Weekly water changes of 15 percent to 50 percent of the total water will help to maintain overall water quality. Providing fish with these optimal conditions will help to ensure that they stay healthy and are able to grow well.
    
    
    
  [h=2]Temperature[/h]
  • Water temperature can have a significant impact on the growth rate of cichlids. Water that is too cool will slow down the fish’s metabolism, causing it to grow at a much slower rate than it is capable of. Temperatures that are too high can cause the fish to become overheated and die. The optimal temperature for African cichlids is between 72 and 82 degrees. This should be monitored continually to ensure that it remains relatively constant.
    
    
  [h=2]Feeding[/h]
  • How cichlids are fed can have a significant impact on growth rates. Using top-quality foods appropriate for the specific type of cichlid is the best way to ensure that the fish do well. Live foods or fresh-frozen foods such as brine shrimp will help to keep the fish healthy and growing well. Commercial diets designed for cichlids are also beneficial. Overfeeding can result in a buildup of decaying matter in the aquarium and will affect the water quality.
    
    

 

[Oscarowner84]

Hope that helps

 

[neutrino]

Good point about temperature, neglected to mention that. Along similar lines, insufficient dissolved oxygen can hinder growth-- this has been tested by biologists.

As far as space, that's true up to a point ime, but I haven't found it to be a rule that the same fish will grow larger in an extra large tank or fail to grow well in a smaller tank-- given a tank of sufficient size in either case. Keep up with water changes in the smaller tank, so that you're not getting any buildup or excess of growth inhibiting organics, and everything else being equal, I've had fish grow equally well in different sized tanks. So ime water exchange can augment or offset tank size. Again, that's given a tank of sufficient size in either case. Doesn't mean you can put an oscar in a 10 gal tank and expect it to grow properly.

 

[s1c]

Agree^

What would make cichlids growth stunt? Genetics, water quality (including tank size), and food.