The small space itself does not stunt the fish, poor water conditions do. You *can* keep goldfish in a small tank as babies but, if cared for correctly, they will soon outgrow the tank. QUOTE]
Interesting! Is this true for other large species as well such as Bala Sharks? I thought the small tank alone stunted them. WOW! Years ago likely around 1981 my Mom had a Bala Shark under 4" long in a 20 gallon. It lived to be 7 years old and died because a house sitter fed it fizzing amonia tablets thinking it was food. I just thought it was so small because it was kept in such a tiny tank. (we had just talked about this fish last week because she was trying to talk me into getting a single bala shark for my 30 gallon tank
)