Stunting

[catfish4ever]

If a fish is stunted will it forever be stunted or can it re-grow in better conditions? Also is a fish stunted by water quality or size of the tank? Thanks

 

[the_lock_man]

No, it is stunted forever.
 
Generally, it is because of the size of the tank.

 

[fluttermoth]

I've found that fish will start to grow again, once they're in a larger tank and/or water conditions have been improved.
 
They will never be the size they ought to have been though, and any deformities they've developed won't improve.

 

[catfish4ever]

Does a fish have to be physically unable to move in the tank to be stunted or?

 

[fluttermoth]

No.
 
The reasons for stunting are not well understood, but seem to be a combination of lack of space (which leads to poor skeletal and muscular development) and poor water quality (including, but not limited to, high levels of nitrate and the effects of hormones secreted by the fish themselves).

 

[Ch4rlie]

Here is a bit more information regarding stunting from PFK.
 
http/www.seriouslyfish.com/stunted-growth-means-stunted-lives/