Baby Bristlenose growth rates.

just thought i would post a picture of some of my baby bristlenose, these fish are all from the same spawn i have about 4-5 of the larger the size and the other 30 or so are very small in comparison, is it normal to have such wildly different growth rates? is it im not feeding enough? i put fresh cucumber ect in every nite, im my grow out tank i have ones that are the same size as my smallest fry in here but are at least 3 months older, have a bred a new species of dwarf bristlenose? could it be a genetic problem eg related parents or something?
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Hi,are you feeding anything other than cucumber?

feeding algae tabs 2 tims a week and zuchini and blood worm twice a week

Hi,


Well, first of all, I would avoid bloodworms. Too much protein and fat at this stage of their lives is not very healthy.

As for their growth, I also experienced some difference within the same batch.
For instance I have 2 months old L144s and there are big as 2.3 cm. Yet, there are some barely reaching the 2 cm mark. They are closer to 1.5 cm.
I have been told, that it is normal, so no reason to panic. Feed them well, and smaller ones will catch-up with the rest of the batch.

Best regards,
Mary

I agree with Mary about the blood worm,I would cut it out altogether it could cause more problems than it is worth.

Survival of the fittest really. In the wild the smaller weaker ones would die off or get eaten

If you move the largest to another tank the smaller ones will catch up faster.
I'm not sure if it's because they have better water conditions because of fewer fish in the tank or as has been discussed in the past there are less growth inhibitor hormones. I know some fish do secrete these allowing some of the fish to get really big and others stay very small.
Carol

2nd the post made by butterfly.

Many fish release a growth inhibiting hormone and it is why growth rates can vary within the same batch of fry. It is one of the reasons why regular water changes are so important when growing fry on.

jim.and wrote:

2nd the post made by butterfly.

Many fish release a growth inhibiting hormone and it is why growth rates can vary within the same batch of fry. It is one of the reasons why regular water changes are so important when growing fry on.

2nd the seconding and second the additional information!

OK, to be honest, I do not make a big deal of growth difference any longer. :roll:

I let the strong and healthy grow up. Those, which are too small, weak will die and be eaten by their sisters/brothers. On the long run this is the way to ensure a healthy strain. :!:

Nature has its own way, and I do not like to interfere, just give assistance.