nicole

Okay this is for everyone thats interested but Kate has asked for this info in another thread so I'm posting here.
Discus will or should mature between 8-12mnths of age, it really depends on the genetics of parents and how well they were raised as fry as there are a lot of aspects that could lead to stunting ect.
The size they will grow to will also depend on all of these factors as well,and of course enviromental factors.
Kate your little yellow is small from your pic I'm guessing between 5-6cm,so I would say its only about 8 weeks old but that is just a guess.All your others are also juvenilles and I'm guessing between 6-8cm and I would say they are between 3 - 5 mnths.So none of these guys are mature yet.
Once they reach maturity they will have properly developed.
So a good way to tell the difference between sexes is of when they are spawning but you can also tell though their fins.
MALE: pectorial fins are longer than the anal fins.
dorsal fins are pointed
anal fins will have a point at the rear.
FEMALE: pectorial fins are shorter than anal fin.
dorsal fins are more rounded.
anal fins are rounded.
For mating, they will do this when they mature and find a suitable partner for themselves they are picky.
Obvious signs to look out for are, cleaning an area and chasing others away.Two fish allways together dancing playing ect.
I will post some pics of mature male/females with ages. Hope this helps.I'm not sure if I've put everything in so feel free to add to this.
Nicole~

Callum The Cat

capekate

Hi Nicole
Thank you so much for the information. I'm going to measure my Discus as close as possible for their sizes, to determine the age. I will also look at the fins and see if I can notice which are female and male. I believe at this point from looking at the large blue, that it is a male. It has a high & pointed fin and long pointy anal fins that is quite noticeble. I will try and get some measurements asap. I agree the yellow is a very young Discus. The blue however I believe is probably about 8 months old. I have been checking out the site called SimplyDiscus and saw some measurements versus age there. Its a great site and I believe one that you had recommended at some point. This is a good topic/post to ask questions about the Discus and thanks for taking the time to put it together!
~ kate

capekate

Hi Nicole,
I am including a youtube video of the Discus. I took a lot of close up shots in order to help identify the genders. Hope that after taking a look you may be able to help identify a few. You will also see the aggression that I am dealing with. thanks ~ kate

nicole

Kate,
I watched that video... so much activity going on in that tank,I wouldn't worry about it though they'll slow down as they grow and settle in.I really couldn't tell gender It takes me ages with mine to work it out.
Anyway Hope the post helps and I'm hoping that other discus owners on the forum can add to it..there is allways something new to learn and the more info the better.
Nicole~

Callum The Cat