What is the actual growth rate of an angelfish in the wild?
Is a rapidly growing fish an renowned indicator of good fish health? Certainly makes sense but is a rapidly growing fish natural?
Is it the constant availability of clean water that makes the fish grow faster or something else in the water rather than something that is being removed from the water?
I would venture a guess that they grow faster in the wild as there is a greater supply/variety of food and a distinct survival imperative to grow as fast as possible.
Nitrate supposedly inhibits growth rate, so I imagine that maintaining as fresh of water as possible will certainly help.
All I know is it is a tried and true methodology for growing fish out fast; multiple feedings daily and daily water changes.
Is what's good for business also what's good for the fish?
that really depends on what critter you are talking about and what stage of business.
Most of the practices of LFS is not always what is good for the fish, as we all know.
But are the practices of the breeders/collectors/suppliers better for the fish or the business?
answer is again, depends on the fish and the person, but generally speaking, what is good for the fish is ultimately good for the business, if the person operating the business is smart and in it for the long haul, but not everyone plays by those rules.
Andy Sager's breeding angels project is a good example of a person that understands that balance.
these are my impressions and opinions, your mileage may vary.