Are my juvenile electric blue acaras ok?

I have a bunch of electric blue acara in my 125 gallon and 55 gallon tanks. One of my pairs had their original batch of fry back in June. Most of the juveniles "disappeared". I was able to save 2 and placed them in a breeder box. They grew slowly. The pair had another batch the following month with 16 surviving. It is currently about 7-8 months later and the two from the original batch are barely an inch whereas the 16 in the second batch are pushing 2.5-3 inches. Did I stunt the two original EBAs growth when I placed them in the breeding box? They do not eat well and are constantly hiding. They live with the Male who is 6 inches and a threadfin who is also 6 inches. No signs of aggression. Please let me know your opinions and what I should do? Thanks in advance
Here is a pic of one of the original juveniles and the male

 

The fish are stunted for sure. But you did not need me to tell you that?

You ask what to do.
Well you can learn from the experience?
. Fry and juveniles need multiple water changes each week and multiple meals every day.

We all brought fish in plastic bags that had no instructions on the packaging.

I am willingly to admit to losing 200 week blue acara fry when their brothers and sisters from an early spawn helped themselves to the free meal. We all learn as we go in this hobby.

 

Thanks for the input. I have heard that stunted fish stop growing on the outside but continues to grow on the inside. Are they ok to live out their lives or would they suffer too much. Just wondering if I should euthanize to end suffering or let nature take its course? Sorry to be morbid.

 

I understand your concern in writing of this subject. Personally I don’t have any issues taking on the predators roll or talking about the job IRL . However when writing about it it’s difficult not to sound callous?
In regards to euthanising to end suffering I don’t think you have seen any sign of suffering to date ?

I have read of the theory that stunted fish continue to grow normal sized internal organs but I discount the idea completely. I see no instances of that in nature or in a controlled environment.

In short.
They are your fish to do whatever pleases you.

 

I understand your concern in writing of this subject. Personally I don’t have any issues taking on the predators roll or talking about the job IRL . However when writing about it it’s difficult not to sound callous?
In regards to euthanising to end suffering I don’t think you have seen any sign of suffering to date ?

I have read of the theory that stunted fish continue to grow normal sized internal organs but I discount the idea completely. I see no instances of that in nature or in a controlled environment.

In short.
They are your fish to do whatever pleases you.

Thanks for your advice