HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE...

[SKISWETPETS]

Damn i can't wait till my African's grow up. Sure seems to take forever, slow growin they are... Most of mine are about 2 1/2-3". Most of the cichlids i have now are Malawi's, and i know they will be between 4 and 6inches as adults probly, or larger, I suppose im just getting a little impatient thats all.  All in time im sure.. So maybe a some info as to how long some of these might take to reach full grown ADULTS would be great.. Thanks in advance... Any and all info or timeframes are welcome...

[Regalblue]

A lot depends on filtration, water changes & diet

[Frenchie]

What size tank are they in ? The bigger the better.

[GrizzlysDad]

If you want them to grow really fast, try these options.
1) crank the temp up into the low 80's (you will need good aeration for this)
2) feed them extremely often with good variety and quality foods (I'm talking every time you walk by the tank)
3) 50% water change twice a week, or more often if time permits
4) keep the light on constantly (if you get up for a midnight snack...feed them too!!!)

[Ron]

Is it really healthy for the fish though? Keeping the lights on 24/7 and feeding them constantly will get them growing faster, but it just doesn't seem like a good idea IMO if you want healthy fish that live long lives.

I know I've read some scientific papers regarding liver damage for fish that were pumped full of food. It might work for the food fish industry, but those fish are going to be killed for consumption. I'm presuming that the fish in your tank you'd like to see living for a long time in the future.

I also feel that many people tend to feed to much to begin with. Hungry fish are healthy fish, and over-feeding can also lead to grotesque growth that's much larger than you'd find in the wild.

Have some patience. 

[GrizzlysDad]

Very good points Ron, as usual. When I had my large fish room, I didn't use the methods I mentioned.
I know some people that used those tactics, or a variation for their fish.
The only time I did anything that extreme was for a grow-out contest (which I would have won by a landslide had I taken my entry in).
I just wanted to point out some options for SKI, but I agree, patience is the best option along with regular care and feedings.
Besides, you get the joy of watching your fish grow and the satisfaction of succeeding in your hobby.

[gmaschke]

I also can't wait for fish to grow however growing them out is the funnest part for me.  Intact I quit trying to grow young fry out to fast as well.  I use to feed fry 4 times a day but now its 2x for the first few weeks then once a day and many water changes. 

I found growing them too fast is unhealthy and leads to deformities.

[SKISWETPETS]

Well thanks guys for all the input. I did ask for all of it... Its just me being impatient i suppose. I have visited many fish shops and have admired many of the Large cichlids in some of the show tanks, i know like i stated that many of my africans will get there. And Ron you are correct. I do want my fish to live long healthy lives.

Another question about what might be an "average" life span for the african cichlids. With proper care of course... Thanks again guys, i appreciate all the input.

[Ron]

Very good points Ron, as usual. When I had my large fish room, I didn't use the methods I mentioned.

I didn't mean to imply that you did and I simply wanted to point out some negatives. The fish I've gotten from you have always been healthy.  Years ago "RD" from C-F posted a lot of great information on fish food health studies. Unfortunately many of my links don't work since he was eventually banned and some content removed for posting information about a brand that sponsored the site. 

Another question about what might be an "average" life span for the african cichlids. With proper care of course...

That's a good question, but perhaps it should be refined to "average life span for Malawian cichlids"? I suspect many of the tangs would be different. A shell-dweller I just don't see living as long as a Frontosa for example.

Right now my oldest malawians are 7-8 years old and still doing well. In the past my older fish seem to give up the ghost around 8-10 years of age. These have mainly been haplochromis species FWIW.

Off-topic I have some catfish, S. eupterus, that are 12-13 years old.

[SKISWETPETS]

Very good points Ron, as usual. When I had my large fish room, I didn't use the methods I mentioned.

I didn't mean to imply that you did and I simply wanted to point out some negatives. The fish I've gotten from you have always been healthy.  Years ago "RD" from C-F posted a lot of great information on fish food health studies. Unfortunately many of my links don't work since he was eventually banned and some content removed for posting information about a brand that sponsored the site. 

Another question about what might be an "average" life span for the african cichlids. With proper care of course...

That's a good question, but perhaps it should be refined to "average life span for Malawian cichlids"? I suspect many of the tangs would be different. A shell-dweller I just don't see living as long as a Frontosa for example.

Right now my oldest malawians are 7-8 years old and still doing well. In the past my older fish seem to give up the ghost around 8-10 years of age. These have mainly been haplochromis species FWIW.

Off-topic I have some catfish, S. eupterus, that are 12-13 years old.

Sweet now that is some good news. Cause i have been wondering, and many of my friends and family have been wondering and asking me basically the same thing. Until now i really didn't have that specific of an answer for anyone. I know that a lot of factors are involved. Proper care, filtration, died, and other things. But i tell you this sure makes me appreciate the fish i have now a whole lot more knowing there's a pretty good chance they will be around for a while.

[GrizzlysDad]

Very good points Ron, as usual. When I had my large fish room, I didn't use the methods I mentioned.

I didn't mean to imply that you did and I simply wanted to point out some negatives. The fish I've gotten from you have always been healthy.  Years ago "RD" from C-F posted a lot of great information on fish food health studies. Unfortunately many of my links don't work since he was eventually banned and some content removed for posting information about a brand that sponsored the site. 

Another question about what might be an "average" life span for the african cichlids. With proper care of course...

That's a good question, but perhaps it should be refined to "average life span for Malawian cichlids"? I suspect many of the tangs would be different. A shell-dweller I just don't see living as long as a Frontosa for example.

Right now my oldest malawians are 7-8 years old and still doing well. In the past my older fish seem to give up the ghost around 8-10 years of age. These have mainly been haplochromis species FWIW.

Off-topic I have some catfish, S. eupterus, that are 12-13 years old.

I did not take your comments that way at all Ron.