| Not sure about "catch-up" but they sure can close the gap. Genetics undoubtedly play a big part, but when moved to an environment conducive to growth I have seen some significant growth spurts.
Case-in-point is a yamabouki ogon that I picked-up from Brady (my first "real" fish) a few years back. I think it was an "old" nisai at the time (Maybe sansai - can you remember Brady?). Two of its siblings were in the ponds of club members and probably at around 20" while this fish was, perhaps, 9". After 2 years she's still not quite as big as her siblings, but she is within an inch or two and when last measured last fall she was pushing 24".
I'm not saying this is always the case, but I certainly believe it can happen.
Roger |