Platydoras growth rate

[Psy]

I bought 4

Platydoras armatulus

in March of 2013. Fish were kept in a us 20 long (30x12x12). Nothing was done to maximize growth, so I'm sure they can grow much faster.

I measured them by placing a scale in their bucket (a US Quarter= 1 inch) and photographing the bucket. Then I used imagej to draw a line as best I could to estimate SL.

Sizes were:
2.3 inches
2.3
1.8
1.5

In April 2014, I measured again.
4.1 in.
3.3
3.0
2.8

Then today, while moving their tank, I measured again. Dec 2014, 9 months later.
4.6 in
4.2
4.2
3.8

Sorry about the inches!

[Bas Pels]

Interesting

The fish more or less doubled their size in 1 year an 9 months. in 1988 I got mine, @ approx 10 cm, that is 4 inches. I Always assumed to have lived approximately 1 year before I got them, but most likely they were (much) older. 3 years perhaps

Somehow a pity - I don;t know when to celebrate their 30th birthday, which will in that case be due next year

[Psy]

You get two birthdays! One for when you figure is their 3 decade mark, then another when you have them for 30 years.

They are very long lived for a fish their size, aren't they.

[jodilynn]

I've had "Lightning" for (according to my "My Fish" page) 10 months 13 days.

When I got him, he was in a 10 gallon. He went from about 1.5 inches to 3+ inches in probably 4 months time.

He's now in my 55 gallon (he was moved 8/16/14), and I would sat the last time I got a real good look at him he was approaching 5 inches.

My Spotted Raphael is not growing nearly as fast, well legnth-wise anway , she looks like a polka-dotted hockey puck with fins . I would be surprised if "Dotty" is two inches long. They were purchased at the same time.

Very reclusive creatures. I see them so rarely . Which is a shame because their markings are just incredible.