Stunt growth

[i2die4x]

Hey guys ... I've just bought an Oscar and he's currently in a tank that i'm sure he'll grow out of sooner or later ...
It's only 1 to 2 inches long and the tank he's currently in (not sure how many gallons) has more than enough room FOR NOW and I will transfer him to a bigger tank when he gets bigger.
But I'm wondering if him being in the smaller tank at the moment will affect/stunt his growth ...
Help ? =/

 

[i2die4x]

it's a 33 gallon

 

[Bottomfeeder]

Yes. It will. And that is not a good thing.

 

[joe jaskot]

Your oscar will be fine in a 33 gallon tank for a while. With proper feeding and water changes, your fish will grow.

 

[Warborg]

What happens in most cases is he will become deformed once he outgrows the tank.

 

[piranhaman00]

No his growth wont be stunted instantly at that small size; however, if you keep him in there for too long until lets say 8-9" then yes it will get stunted and deformed

 

[alexanian]

It'll be fine if it's 1-2"

 

[Gill Blue]

33 is an odball tank size, at least I've never heard of one. usually 29 gallon tanks are tall and skinny, which means your fish will outgrow it sooner than if it's low and long.
they can fit in a 40 long longer than they can in a 40 tall.
if your tank is typical 29g dimensions I wouldn't keep it in there longer than it takes to reach about 4-5 inches. a little longer probably wouldn't hurt, but isn't in it's best interest.

 

[Calihawk]

You should be fine but that reminds me, I saw a LFS in SoCal and they had a 5" Flowerhorn in a 5x5 container. He couldnt even move, in fact he have to be looking upwards just to fit. I wouldnt buy it just to try to save it, as STUPID as the owner is he'll just put another big fish in that little spot.

 

[plecostic]

I never believed in the "stunt growth" myth, especially since there's no scientific evidence to support the theory. Fish will grow and adapt to the size of the tank (relatively) and so will their organs. A large fish in a small tank is more likely to die from being bored and lazy then organ issues. Out growing a tank has more to do with the fish owner's personal preference and often it is based out of fear mongering than anything else. Someone sees a 1 inch oscar in a 20 gallon and they immediately cause panic and fear and tell them they need to upgrade fast or the sky will fall. As long as fish have adequate room to swim then the tank is not too small. Another myth I don't follow is the "fish grow so fast" myth. It's true some fish will grow fast, but not overnight, it can take several years. A 1 inch fish will not grow to 5 feet in 3 days or 3 months, most likely not even three years. Sometimes a fish growing fast has a lot to do with a heavy feeding schedule and a fish owner wanting to grow a mad frankenfish. Upgrading should not require any serious thought but you should only do it when you need to not when others say you should.