what are signs of stunting?

[bayst]

I've read of the awful stunting that can occur with fish. What are signs of this in mbuna or malawi cichlids? I have read that some get big heads, some keep small heads, some have spinal deformities, some have big eyes for the head size, weird bulgy bodies b/c of organs about to burst out...

Are these descriptions accurate? It seems like it varies for different fish? Just wondering...

 

[torbayguy]

You know, when it comes to Malawis, often the problem is they get TO BIG.
Most are vegetarian, and that helps keep then smaller, but if fed incorrectly, with to much protein, as well as the dreaded bloat, you can actually get a growth spurt, making a fish that should have a max size in the wild of 4 inches, grow to 8 or more.
This to has enormouse health implications.

I have never had, or seen, any sign of stunted Malawis in the 10 years I have kept them, so I dont think it can be much of a problem.