Is there variation in the time it takes different species to reach sexual maturity?

[aarhud]

I had Nannacara anomala actually spawning at 5 months. I have heard claims that A. cacatioudes often spawn as early as 6 months. Is there differences among the various Apistogramma species? Or is 6 months a common age since they are such small fish?

 

[Mike Wise]

It varies depending on many different factors, but from my experience some do mature faster than others.

 

[aarhud]

Would those factors be the same factors that impact growth rate? Food, tank size, water changes, etc? I have noticed that the largest fry of the bunch are not necessarily the first ones to spawn.

 

[Mike Wise]

The factors you list are important but species variation, due to natural habitat, seems to be a factor too. Species that come from more ephemeral biotopes tend to mature more quickly.