Rumor or true ?

[Plecowhacko]

Heard someone that used to breed discus told me that for a discus to grow big, water must be changed almost everyday. He said this is because the male fish releases a certain chemical that stunts the growth of the other fishes in the tank...

What is this ??? true or not ?

[dswwong]

Indeed.....

I have read about this from somewhere before for sure but just could not recall when and where.

It is postulated that the Discus releases some growth inhibiting hormone in the form of slimes on the body which, if not removed, will inhibit growth. Whether this is towards the other discus in the same tank or including the fish itself is debatable. In any case, this can only be proven if the fish lives alone !!! hehehe

Perhaps some authority like Andrew Soh/Shaifullah Yeng care to comment on this ??

[harnsheng]

hmm...its true. i've heard it b4! the discus fry also can be raise in a harder water for faster growth unlike the adult which need soft water!

[voda]

Originally Posted by harnsheng

hmm...its true. i've heard it b4! the discus fry also can be raise in a harder water for faster growth unlike the adult which need soft water!

yo, me also origin from Bkt Mertajam. My place located at Tmn Nirwana. Where u stay

[reptar]

It is a fairy tale, If you don't change the water in your tanks, the fish waste and food will cause the ammonia to build up thus stressing your fish and your fish will get stunted.
If you do have a very good filtration system then it is a different matter, still water change is required but not a 100%. I do change my water approx. 30% every two days, I have a centralized system with aerobic and anaerobic bio load.
reptar

[standoyo]

more like bigger fish bullying smaller ones depriving them of food causing stuntedness.

[kaj.p]

Originally Posted by dswwong

Indeed.....

I have read about this from somewhere before for sure but just could not recall when and where.

You can read it in "Aquarium Fish Breeding" by Jay E Hemdal a good book and not so expencive. Barrons ISBN 0-7641-2208-8