The size of Tropical Fish?

Question

Do Tropical Fish tank grow depending on the size of your tank or is this a wives tail? I have a 10 gallon tank, with only few fish 3 Gourami (dwarf) a bottom feeder (whom we call bruno) and 3 tiny neon tetra's and one fighter. I have plants and bogwood for the fishes - its all well had tank for 2 months. They all look great. Peaceful fishes. But I was wonderging whether a fish only grows to the size of your tank or not? Its this true or is this indeed false.

I know all your answers would be great - so thank you all for responding, wishing you all well
Take Care , Sara

Answer 1

You are wise to question this Sara. It's true that a fish will stop growing longer in a smaller tank, but it's oragans don;t stop growing. That's called stunting and is very, very damaging to the fish. It usually leads to an early death for the fish. It sounds like you have a well stocked, nice tank and shouldn't have any problems with stunting, depending on what kind of fish Bruno is of course. I wouldn't add any more fish to that tank personally, you don't want to crowd them as that can lead to lots of problems as well.

Sounds like a great tank and an excellt job selecting fish. Good for you!

MM

Answer 2

It is a myth. To a certain extent a fish will be stunted by being a tank that is too small but the fish is still going to grow. That is why it is so important to research fish before you buy them, paying attention to how big they will grow.

Answer 3

It is true... death has this remarkable way of stunting growth, if your fish die, I guarantee they WILL NOT grow any more. Your tank is over crowded.
Common Glass Aquarium Sizes

5.5 Gallon 16x8x10 (128 sq. in.)
10 Leader 20x10x12 (200 sq. in.)
10 Hexagon 14x12x18 (127 sq. in)
15 Gallon 24x12x12 (288 sq. in.)
20 High 24x12x16 (288 sq. in.)
20 Long 30x12x12 (360 sq. in.)
25 Gallon 24x12x20 (288 sq. in.)
29 Gallon 30x12x18 (360 sq. in.)
30 Gallon 36x12x16 (432 sq. in.)
30 Breeder 36x18x12 (648 sq. in.)
33 Long 48x13x12 (624 sq. in.)
37 Gallon 30x12x22 (360 sq. in.)
38 Gallon 36x12x20 (432 sq. in.)
40 Long 48x13x16 (624 sq. in.)
40 Breeder 36x18x16 (648 sq. in.)
45 Gallon 36x12x24 (360 sq. in.)
50 Gallon 36x18x18 (648 sq. in.)
55 Gallon 48x13x20 (624 sq. in.)
65 Gallon 36x18x24 (648 sq. in.)
Petite body fish
1” per gallon or 1” per 12 sq. in. of surface
For example 20 long has 360 sq. in. surface area
360/12=30
Can a 20 long support 30” of fish? Probably not.
A 20 high has only 288 sq. in. surface area
288/12=24
Can a 20 high support 24” of fish? Probably not.
A 25 is also 288 sq. in. surface area
288/12=24
Can a 25 support 24” of fish? Probably.
I like to average the two for a more accurate capacity.
For the 20 long, 30 by surface area, 20 by volume averages to 25”
Can a 20 long support 25” of fish? Probably.
For the 20 high, 24 by surface area, 20 by volume averages to 22”
Can a 20 high support 22” of fish? Probably.
Why does the 20 long support 3” more fish that the 20 high?
A larger surface area allows a greater oxygen exchange, which is as important as volume of water.
Large bodied fish, such as gold fish you need to double or even triple these numbers, i.e. 3 gallons per inch and 36 sq. in. of surface per 1” of fish.
This is not the only consideration for fish tanks. Types of fish will appreciate one type of tank over another. For example, fast swimmers like Zebra Danios, Pearl Danios and Blue Danios will do best in a tank that is at least 30” long. They would be better kept in a 20 long rather than a 25. Giant Danios would do best in a tank at least 48” long. They would be better kept in a 55 rather than a 65.
On the other hand, slow, tall bodied fish like Angel Fish and Discus will do best in a deep tank. They would be better kept in a 65 rather than a 55. They, like other cichlids also need a bit more than the 1” per gallon and/or 12 sq. in. surface.

Answer 4

FISH DO NOT STOP GROWING IF THEY ARE IN A SMALL TANK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! they will grow to fit the tank like a 500 pound guy in a tercel and then die from stress. sounds like fun, huh?

Answer 5

I dont know whether its true or false....but I have noticed with my guinea pig since i have gotten a bigger cage for him he has grown a bit....its kinda weird....but i just asked my teacher and she said its true....i dont kno its cool lol!!!