Ways to Accelerate Fish Growth

A number of factors determine the growth rate of fish, particularly of those in aquariums and ponds. Select factors, such as the species of fish, will always remain constant and cannot be influenced. Most factors can be controlled, however. By manipulating these, the hobbyist can accelerate the growth of his fish, or ensure that they do not become unnecessarily stunted due to poor management techniques.

  1. Water Quality

    • Fish are profoundly affected by the water in which they live. Fish continually pass their metabolic waste products into the water and this organic material creates toxic conditions if allowed to build up. Ammonia, which is deadly to fish, is formed initially. Ammonia is converted into nitrite (NO2-), which is almost as dangerous to fish. Nitrite is eventually converted into nitrate (NO3-), which will stunt the growth of young and sensitive fish. It is therefore of the utmost importance to correctly filter your aquarium and pond water to ensure that there is no build-up of dangerous waste products.

    Temperature

    • Fish are poikilothermal and their body temperature is essentially the same as that of their environment. The metabolic rate of fish is therefore geared to the water temperature in which they live. Metabolic rate will slow down and normal life processes will be negatively affected if the water is colder than optimal for the species concerned. Fluctuating temperatures are equally bad and in both cases, your fish will become stressed and susceptible to disease. Water temperature must always be kept constant and at the correct reading for the species in question.

    Nutrition

    • Fish require a regular supply of correct food items to provide energy, allow for growth and to resist disease. You must offer a diet that contains all the necessary nutrients in the proper proportions. Food items must be of the correct size so that the fish can swallow them. Food must also be offered at regular intervals. Young fish in particular will benefit from numerous feedings throughout the day. Fish should also be offered a varied diet to ensure that food items do not become monotonous. Species which have special dietary requirements, such as certain types of marine fish, must be enticed with live foods or food items that have been collected from the ocean, to suit their needs. Liquid vitamins that have been manufactured for fish should be added to the fish's diet on a regular basis.

    Disease Management

    • Fish that have become ill use energy to fight the disease condition and do not grow during this period. In cases of severe disease outbreaks, the fish may die. A number of factors, such as over-crowding or being exposed to aggressive species, contribute to a fish becoming stressed. Through stress, the fish's immune system becomes impaired and it becomes predisposed to disease. Maintain your ponds correctly to prevent disease and treat the disease condition immediately, should it arise.