The Saiyans are a warrior race and live for battle. They visually differ from humans by their monkey tail. Additionally, there is another fact that Son-Goku explains in episode 1 of Dragon Ball Daima.
How are Saiyans different? Saiyans experience only a gigantic growth spurt between childhood and adulthood. In contrast to humans, who grow gradually during their youth with age, the growth spurt in Saiyans happens almost overnight.
- At the age of 12, Son-Goku was still a child. He was about the same size as his son Son-Gohan when he was 5 years old. This is because Son-Gohan is half human and therefore grew gradually.
- By the age of 18, Son-Goku was suddenly a grown man. He had reached his adult height and gained muscle mass.
Therefore, Saiyans suddenly grow between the ages of 12 and 18. Son-Goku explains exactly when this happens at Trunks’ birthday party in episode 1 of Dragon Ball Daima.
You can watch the trailer for Dragon Ball Daima here:
Saiyans have a specific time in Dragon Ball when they suddenly grow
When do Saiyans get their growth spurt? Trunks was pointed out by Krillin at his birthday party for being so small at just 9 years old. Son-Goku defends the boy and explains that Saiyans only experience a gigantic jump in size at the age of 15.
However, the group then makes fun of the fact that Vegeta’s growth spurt was probably a bit smaller. Son-Goku’s rival is about a head shorter and is upset when he hears the joke. You can watch the scene on the X account of daily_vegeta:
What happens after the growth spurt? It has already been explained in the Daizenshuu that Saiyans retain their body form afterwards. They seem to reach their peak until the age of 30 and remain fit into old age. The creator of Dragon Ball, Akira Toriyama, drew Son-Goku as if he would age significantly.
The lifespan is said to be the same as that of humans. A Saiyan is expected to live about 75 to 100 years. However, Toriyama made it clear that the actual lifespan is significantly shorter since most Saiyans die earlier in battle.
However, if Saiyans reach old age, they are still in great shape. Thus, they are ready for battle regardless of their age – at least after they have had their growth spurt.
Throughout Dragon Ball, we learn about the various Saiyans. Besides Son-Goku and Vegeta, there are indeed other representatives from this race. In a MeinMMO ranking, you can check who actually is the strongest of all Saiyans: Who is the strongest of all Saiyans in Dragon Ball?
