[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by naesco

AC33 You are correct that a small tank stunts a fish's growth. StirCrazy here is the cite you need. Please see
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-03/hcs3/index.php
The tang referred to is a hippo/regal tang.

Thanks

I think we are talking about different things here, a lot of fresh water species will emit growth limiting hormones to prevent competition in there territory, I have never heard of this in salt water.

As for the article (this is the third time I have typed this because of my stupid computer so forgive me if I sound curt as I am not.. just tired of 35 min of typing only to have it nuked twice) But really you cannot apply the findings for one species to any other under other types of conditions. Could there stunted growth be from the small tank… sure but it could also be from a host of other things, like the lack of a “only the biggest survive” instinct due to a lack of competition, or improper feeding or water conditions, or a lack of exercise due to low current levels (I have not seen many tank with high enough current levels for a swimmer like tangs). Another problem is as always with the 15 min of fame online mags, we are only seeing someone’s opinion of a study and not the study it’s self.

Another thing is that is this stunted growth a bad thing? I don’t know but I bet no one else can say for sure also... if there aren’t other complications aside from the reduced size then is it really something to worry about?

Steve