I'm not sure what is normal, but mine are growing ridiculously slow. They were about the same size as my nics when I got them (about an inch) and now the nics are 4-6" long and the EBJDs are not quite 2". I feed high quality pellets/frozen foods and do weekly water changes. I can't wait til they get past that hairy 3-4" mark and I'm out of the woods.