Keeping Big Fish Small

[Limited Resources]

Is it unhealthy to feed a fish a sufficient amount to grow to say 10in. and then keep the amount of food low enough that it doesn't grow any bigger?
I have heard that this is fine for the fish, but I have also heard that their internal organs keep growing.
Which is true?

 

[MN_Rebel]

Its all depends on what species, what tank size and the environment. However the fish don't stop growing till the day they croaked.

 

[bobblehead27]

I was pretty sure snakeheads were illegal.

I have read that freshwater barracuda species Ctenolucius hujeta and Acestrorhynchus falcatus only get about a foot long

In my expierience with fish that can supposedly grow from a foot to two feet they stay plenty small for the 40 gallon aquarium that I keep them in when I only feed them once a day, and I have read that fish only grow as big as feed them to get. So I was wondering If anyone has had any success keeping arowanas within the 10-15in. range.

I can't find any information about sabretooth tetras but have found them for sale at several sites. Does anyone know about them?

Yes, it is bad... especially when you suggest keeping an arowana to 10-15 inches

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=409061

 

[Limited Resources]

I don't uderstand why it's bad for the fish, in the wild a fish only grows as big as it's environment and food supply allow for. If the fish doesn't have an unlimited food supply it will just stay a scaled down model of a fully grown specimen.

 

[Chefken]

Stunting a fish causes health problems.....the fish will out grow your tank anyway it just will take a little longer. Buy smaller fish or a bigger tank. i gave up on my Aro aspirations a long time ago!!

 

[Dustonthecabnit]

Is this serious?????!!!! IF YOU HAVE "LIMITED RESOURCES" keep with what you can afford!! Im not trying to be rude BUT COME ON!!! you know how big they get if you cant afford a tank (and food) big enough THEN JUST LOOK AT THEM IN THE STORE AND MOVE ON.
It would be like me moving my wife , godson and 3 big dogs into a one bedroom apartment and saying "ok we can only eat every other day " it just isnt going to work.

 

[MN_Rebel]

I don't uderstand why it's bad for the fish, in the wild a fish only grows as big as it's environment and food supply allow for. If the fish doesn't have an unlimited food supply it will just stay a scaled down model of a fully grown specimen.

Even in the wild, stunted fish often have health problems and can have negative effects on the ecosystem. Stunted fish do not looks like a scaled down model of a fully grown specimen in most cases. It is very important for fisheries to control overpopulation of stunted fishes regardless of what species.

Now....what you have in your mind? Are you thinking about keeping a tankbuster in small tank? I'd suggest that you need look at other species that are perfectly capable live in your tank for their whole life.

 

[aclockworkorange]

Just buy fish that will live happily in the tank you can provide them... Period.

 

[rickjames]

It would be like me moving my wife , godson and 3 big dogs into a one bedroom apartment and saying "ok we can only eat every other day " it just isnt going to work.

+1

 

[MonsterMinis]

Is it unhealthy to feed a fish a sufficient amount to grow to say 10in. and then keep the amount of food low enough that it doesn't grow any bigger?
I have heard that this is fine for the fish, but I have also heard that their internal organs keep growing.
Which is true?

1. - Starveing an animal kills it. Fish are designed to grow threw-out their lives. they aren't mamal and they like reptiles may only grow very slowly once reaching a certain age. But continue to grow. Stunting is done threw hormones released by the fish's gill iir not by starveing it. Stunting occurs in the wild in this fashioin in species that can get trapped dureing the dry season in encloused areas such as ponds, small pools, ect. Stunting is not a normal occurance to all fish. 'nore is it "healthy" in any form or fashion to intentionally expose a pet to such condition.

2. - 1. explaines why this is abuse of the animal and by no means "Fine". And their internal Organs can and will continue to grow. You see this most often in Goldfish that are kept in tiny bowls. they will stay tiny for a few years. Then die suddenly of "un-known" causes. The internal organs will contiue to grow to the point that the animal is in constant pain, they will slow down, and simply stop trying to live. There are other common physical manifestations yu see in stunted fish. Particulalry of the spinal structure. THe bodies get twisted, and controted because the bones seek to grow in a body that isn't large enough to support it.

Even under the best of conditions a large majority of Fish kept in captivity undergo some form of stunting. Mild stunting results in a "smaller" version of the full potential of some species ( genetics can and do play a part in this, but less then I honestly believe most think) When a fish can get say 24" in the wild. a 20" fish is accpetable usually and rarely if ever exhibits any signs of being stunted. Now if that same species only got 10" then it's fairly safe to say it is stunted to a point that it's goign to exhibit some signs of it.

Fish are not just something you throw in a box and Go "oh how pretty" they are Pets.. like dogs, cats, hamsters, ect are.. and should be treated with the same respects to their lives. If an owner isn't willing to try and meet the pets needs. They shouldn't have the pet.