How fast do common plecos grow?

[CatLover]

I have a common pleco who is 13.5 inches long. I have had him for 1.5 years. I am wanting to know exactly how old he is. He was given to me when he was 12 inches long, so I asked his previous owner when she bought him. She couldn't remember, but said he was 2.5 inches long when she bought him.

How many inches do common plecos grow in a year? I'm assuming that he had a growth spurt when he was younger, and is now growing slower since he is older. Plus I think he might have been stunted for a little while because he was forced to live in a 35G for a long time when he was 12 inches long. I put him in my 75G 10 months ago, and within those 10 months is when he stretched out another 1.5 inches.

How old do you think he is?

 

[Gourami Lover88]

I have a common that put on 8inches since I bought him in Febuary when he was about 2in so they probably grow 10in in thier first year in the best conditions.But since he may have been stunted he could be as old 2-3 years.

 

[CatLover]

Thank ya, Gourami!

I have been thinking he was around 3 years old. That's just what I feel in my gut, but I'm still not sure.

 

[smithrc]

it's almost impossible to age by size...

You'll find they grow in fits and bursts due to food supplies etc... more food - the faster they will grow.

 

[CatLover]

Ahh, ok. Thank you for that bit of info.