discus ages?

[lpiasente]

I have no idea what ages my discus are.Body size without the fins they are about the size of a savoy cracker and I have one about double that and one in between. How old do you think they would be? Thanks Leanne

[Merrilyn]

Hmmm now that's a difficult question. Bit like trying to work out someone's age by looking at their height :wink:

A more reliable guide is to check the length of the ventral fins, (the two long thin fins that hang under the body.) These fins grow throughout the life of the fish, so if the fins are short and stubby, then you can assume a fairly young fish. If the fins are long and whispy, then the fish is quite a bit older.

Very old discus have ventrals that trail past the end of their tail.

If you'd like to post a pic, we can probably guess the age of your fish.

[lpiasente]

Thanks Merrylin,I will take some pics tomorrow

[lpiasente]

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn175/lpiasente/DSCF2569.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn175/lpiasente/DSCF2576.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn175/lpiasente/DSCF2578.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn175/lpiasente/DSCF2579.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn175/lpiasente/DSCF2582.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn175/lpiasente/DSCF2587.jpg

[lpiasente]

So sorry the photos are so big I don't konw what happened. I paid only $25 in the chuck out tank for all these fish except photo 2 he was $50. I know I shoudn't have taken home the ones that weren't 100% but I am a sucker for a fishy in need of some tlc.Funny thing (well not really funny) the one I lost I paid $45 for. Would you mind telling me what types my bag of mixed lollies are. The only one I really know is picture 4 is the blue diamond oh and picture 3 ( Annie) is a red melon. Annie in picture 3 is the one I was holding in my hand becuse she was sooooo sick and I wasn't sure what to do. She actually was opaque white and now is slowly gaining colour and weight. I know she looks skinny still but she was like a skeleton I still can't believe she is alive . Picture 6 were brown and a little bit blue when I first got them and now they are so bright Same with the blue diamond he was more of a grey and now he is sooo blue but has like a metalic green over the blue and his eyes are bright red. Just beautiful Again I know they aren't prize fish but to me I have loved watching them regain health, colour up and grow. And from me and my new discus THANKS for your help

[Big Daddy1]

I'm no pro but I'd say from 2 to 4 months. Those look like pretty nice discus. Good luck!

[lpiasente]

I have had them for a little over 2 months. Hiw oldarethey when they can be sold?

[Big Daddy1]

Good question, it depends on the breeder. General rule of thumb would be upon one month but less will generally make it through the move.

But... size and age don't always go together. Their feeding plays a roll. The general rule of thumb is an inch per month. It isn't linear however. I think it applies until just over three inches or so. The older they get, the slower they increase in size. By one year a discus that is 6" is a healthy, well fed discus.

Oh yeah, they are suppose to be measured from mouth to caudal peduncle, no fins. A lot of breeders say they have 2" fish and they are slightly over 1". If they survive a move this young.

Some of the sponsors or mods might be able to elaborate more.

[lpiasente]

Thanks.So really unless I buy from the beeder it's just a guess. I had been feeding them blood worm and then read that it is no good for juvies. What age is a juvie?

[Big Daddy1]

I would consider a juvie less than four inches but really it might better to describe juvies as fish not ready to breed.

It's more than a guess, it's like a sound edjamakated quess.

[Merrilyn]

They're all very young ... four to six months I'd estimate.

You've got a nice little group of juvies there. Feed them well with high protein food, like beefheart, lots of clean water and of course warmth.

You should end up with a tank full of good looking adults :P

[lpiasente]

:D Thanks