How long does it take for a GSP to become full grown?

[PufferMe!]

My puffer is growing, and I'm looking for a 55 gallon for him/her. I'm curious, how long does it take for a GSP to become an "adult". I don't want to stunt his/her growth, but I'm also waiting for a "perfect" tank on Craigslist. Any thoughts on how long I can safely keep a currently 1.5"-2" GSP in a 27-30 gallon tank? Salinity is now at 1.010.

Thanks

Gwen

[RTR]

Likely between 1 1/2 and 3 years to sexual maturity, more than twice as long to reach full adult after that size, The growth rate prior to sexual maturity is much faster than that after sexual maturity. They never really stop growing (unlike people) so long as they are alive, but post-puberty growth gets slower and slower. Once in their teens, GSP (and other mid-sized fish) growth can be glacial. Stunting happen early, per-puberty.

HTH

[PufferMe!]

Thank you! Very helpful.

Gwen

[RTR]

Captive puffers can and do far outlive their wild cousins. They should have the time to reach maximum observed wild size, but only if they are given the chance to grow (food, exercise, water quality) while they are immature fish and growing most rapidly. Undersizing their tanks or failing to maintain water quality or proper feeding at any point can slow or arrest growth.