Discus that have been hormoned and ... Runts
To make young Discus more salable, some Discus being sold have been treated with hormones. Methyl Testosterone is one of the hormones used. By simply adding the hormone to the water (or food) prior to sale, a Discus will develop color that resembles that of a mature adult. This destroys the fish for life. A hormoned fish usually will be infertile, have damage to the liver and kidneys and will not grow to full size (stunted).
Young Discus that have been treated poorly during long travel and held in improper conditions by both the wholesaler and the reseller can become stunted and diseased. For a Discus to develop properly and grow to full size, a young fish can not have any significant interruptions in growth during the first 6 to 12 months.
It just is not worth your time and money to buy damaged fish.
This is an example of a Runted Hormoned Discus. Notice the large eye, the elongated shape and pre-coloring.
This photo is of adults hormoned as
juveniles. I invested good time and money rising these fish. They did not grow
to 5". They paired up and were infertile.
This is another example of a Runt. Look at the oversized eye in comparison of the body. This Discus also has a elongated "football" shape.
Hormoned Discus (Glow!)
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Some healthy well developing young fish from my fishroom:
This fish above is less than 3 months and is about 1.5" (above).
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Some examples of a young adult that are developing properly:
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Healthy Adults will grow large and have a long life.