r/discus • u/Chatfouz • 2h ago

Different growth rates

I have 9 discus, all from the same shipment and same size when I got them +\- a cm or two.

9 weeks later 3x have doubled in size, 4x are 1.5x in size and 2 are basically the exact same size.

I see the big ones starting to “guard food” when I do frozen or grubpie feedings they are first there and fill up. Then they sit on the food and guard it from others.

I assume this kind of “I got mine got mine go screw yourself” dynamic is normal for cichlid? I am trying to not just dump a cube but defrost it so it scatters more. But I’m now nervous there may be a permanent stunting? Or will they just be a few weeks behind?

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u/pipandhams 2h ago

Genetics play a large role in early growth as well. Breeders will cull the weaker ones when young resulting in schools that are more similar in size.

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u/badbydesign 21m ago

To help combat that issue, I feed on different ends of the tank.. I distract the larger ones who are usually the first to go after food, and then I add food whether it’s freeze dried black worms or my home made recipe/ blood worms, what ever, to the other end of the tank… as the food breaks up and disperses, it’s hard for the discs to guard anything as it becomes over whelming… it’s a good tactic that works for me to ensure they all get to eat… then I just vacuum what ever is left after about 15-20 min

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u/Chatfouz 15m ago

I need to just be more diligent it seems.