Discus Fish Growth Rate

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 *Many factors contribute to Discus fish growth rates. Including environmental factors, such as aquarium size, water changes, along with diet, and daily feeding schedule. Discus fish grow rather quickly when they are young, mostly due to the continual food supply available to them from their parents. As they reach larger sizes and different stages in age their growth rate slows. Described below is a good chart for growth in relation to age. The following growth chart measures Discus fish size from nose to tip of tail and age in weeks or months.

Fry to thumbnail size: about 5/8”, takes approximately 3 weeks. This is when Discus breeders would normally take the fry away from the parents which have been feeding on their slime secretion all day, every day.

Fry to 2” size: Normally takes 8 to 10 weeks. After 3 weeks they are now feeding on the same foods as larger Discus fish. On a feeding schedule of 3-4 times daily, with water changes of 25% every 4 to 5 days.

Fry to 3” size: Takes 4 months. Growth noticeably slows after 2”, Instead of approximately 1” a month their growth rate slows to half an inch or less per month.

Fry to 4”: Takes 7 months.

Fry to 5”: Takes 10 months

Fry to 6”: Takes 14 months

Fry to 7”, 8” or 9”: takes 24 months

My experience has been, after 2 years Discus fish have reached their full-size in length measuring nose to tip of tail. However, they will continue to grow in girth due to how fat is stored in cichlids. Discus as part of the cichlid family will store fat mainly in the face, head, and above the lateral line, so they will get thicker rather than longer.

This chart representing Discus fish growth rates under ideal environmental and a heathier than normal feeding schedule, with water changes of 25-30% twice a week and feeding 3 to 4 times a day. Goals for size achievement will vary, but this would be a good guideline and indicator of size to age. With quick growth will also come earlier more vibrant colors maturity, and a more desirable rounder body shape.

Learn More: Discus Fish Blog