Maroons won't grow in captivity?

[Mr. Ballistic]

I was at my LFS and was asking about my little tank raised maroon clown that is about an inch long. I wanted to know how old the ones they had were because they looked to be pushing 3.5 inches. I was asking the owner how long it would take for mine to get that big. He explained to me that it wouldn't because they don't grow very large in captivity, it would stay about the same length. Any truth to this?

 

[55semireef]

No. Maroons will grow in captivity. Of course it might not reach its potential size like it does in the wild but it will grow. Here's some useful advice, never listen to your LFS unless you are positive they know what they are talking about.

 

[Toddrtrex]

They will grow, but there will be a huge difference in size b/t the female and the male of a mated pair. Back when I had them my male was only about 1/4 the size of the female.

 

[Mr. Ballistic]

I thought it didn't make much sense. I don't know if mine is male or female, but to stay at only 1 inch long would be kind of boring, since they are so amazing looking. On the other hand he/she might be less likely to become the heathen that maroons are known to be.

 

[55semireef]

If it is 1 inch probably a juvi or a young male.

 

[Toddrtrex]

Here is an old and bad picture of my pair ( right before I sold them ) the male was a bit over an inch. The tile is 4"x4".

 

[davocean]

My female has grown from about an inch to about 4 1/2" and very fat.
It is funny how they keep the male so in check that they don't grow much, mine is also about 1/4 the size of the female.

 

[osprey3883]

+1 for growing big fat and full of attitude.

Matt