“You don’t need to worry, the fish you just bought will only grow as big as the aquarium allows.” You would not believe just how many times I have heard this coming from the mouth of some sales people’s at pet shops, never mind the amount of time I have heard fishkeepers say this. So let’s dispel this rather common fishkeeping myth and misconception and better educate ourselves and those new to the hobby.
Where exactly did this myth start?
The myth that the fish grow to the size of their surroundings is just that a myth. How it started and when it started who knows, but it is one of those myths that just refuses to die in the fishkeeping hobby.
What exactly is a stunted fish?
Stunted growth describes a fish that has stopped growing and the size it has grown to is actually below the normal average size for a fish of its species.
Is stunted growth harmful to your fish?
Absolutely yes! It has a negative implication for the general health of your fish. Some studies have actually shown that despite the overall size of the fish not getting bigger, the organs will actually still continue to grow and enlarge. Which in itself leads to organ failure and a slow and painful death for the poor fish.
Can a fish recover from stunted growth?
If the fish is still young, then absolutely yes! When moved to a larger aquarium, I have seen many younger fish recover amazingly well from being stunted. Unfortunately, the longer a fish remains in a stunted environment, the less likely it will make a full recovery.
How do I prevent fish stunting?
Research, research research! Research is key! There is a huge amount of research on the go at any given time by ichthyologists and other people in the fishkeeping hobby. And with the power of the internet, it is extremely easy to find out the space requirements for the fish you want to keep. When you buy a new fish, you have to work with their requirements, they aren’t required to work within whatever parameters you deem “acceptable” or have available at the time. It is your responsibility as a fishkeeper to provide the best possible home and environment for your fish. If you cannot provide fish with a properly sized aquarium, then rather look at another species of fish that will be perfectly happy in your aquarium.
