are my clowns underdeveloped?

[mmm55645]

Should clownfish grow a certain amount after a certain amount of time?
Under optimal conditions, how long will it take for them to reach ~5"

Under optimal conditions, how much will ~1" clowns grow in ~1 year?

 

[traveller7]

Varies greatly depending on species.

Most do not reach 5" in captivity.

Some grow quite quickly when making the transition from Juvenile to Mature Female. 2" in one year in that case is not unusual for the larger clown species.

Some of the smaller species can grow from egg to mature female in less then 2 years and be breeding at the 2" mark.

 

[mmm55645]

I have tomato clowns and I do not think they have grown very much over the past 10 months.

I was worried that maybe I haven't kept the water parameters well enough and that inhibited their growth.

 

[traveller7]

That is possible. Water quality and a lack of feeding are significant contributors to stunted or a lack of growth.

 

[mmm55645]

if their growth is stunted will they be able to grow faster when conditions become optimal, or will bad conditions(not extremely bad though) permanently damage the ability to grow?

 

[traveller7]

My guess is they will continue to grow, but not likely reach maximum size.

fwiw: It is rare a captive specimen will reach maximum size. Most of us dont feed enough and don't maintain the water quality required.