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Can someone tell me the rate of growth of these guys! I have had mine for about a month and a half...and it seems like they are putting on a bit more weight and growng horizontally.. but does anyone know how long it takes them to get to the full size?

72 gallon bowfront:Tanganyikan Lake set up
75 gallon: A. Baenschi trio,Cyanotilapia Afra Cobwe(4), copadichromis trewavase, protomelas sp. tangerine tiger(breeding pair)

I've never kept a firemouth long enough to grow one to full size (I did a lot of fish-trading with my lfs when I first got into cichlids) but I did have a female Gold aureum (very close relative to a firemouth) that grew to full size in about 2 1/2 to 3 years. I'd say about the same amount of time for a firemouth.

My four firemouths are about 1 1/2 yrs old, and are about 4" long. I'd agree with the 3 years guess.

The firemouth I currently own is my first. He was quite small when I got him, and the tank he's in went thru a very bad time. Ick then fungus, I lost a lot of fish He was the first in that tank to get fungus, and took the longest to cure.

I call him Mr Grumpy; he spends most of his time in a cave, occasionally comes out to chase the other fish apparently to remind them who's boss

It took close to two months to get the tank and fish healthy again. As I said, he was tiny when purchased, now he's probably 3.5" I think they grow quickly at first then steady out, that's my opinion.

They're gorgeous fish


Theresa_M attached this image:


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There is water at the bottom of the ocean

With proper health and feeding, they mature about 6 months, and will be full grown in about 1 1/2-2 years

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There is always a bigger fish...