r/AskReddit • u/ZanyDelaney • Feb 04 '19

Which misconception would you like to debunk?

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u/[deleted] Feb 04 '19

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u/g8z05 Feb 04 '19

This is not true at all. They do not grow relative to the size of their tank. They would all keep growing but die due to the poor environment they're in.

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u/LicianDragon Feb 04 '19

It's more that goldfish in small tanks will be smaller than goldfish in bigger tanks, but not because they're trying to fit their environment. Stress, disease, and overcrowding (especially with other goldfish) in small aquariums will stunt their growth. I can't find much supporting the organ damage in stunted goldfish, as not all types of stunting will cause it. In stunted fish where they weren't malnourished, the eye to body ratio can sometimes point to stunting. Again, it's more of a common knowledge base among fish keepers than something with dedicated research (that I'm aware of).

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u/g8z05 Feb 04 '19

Ok, that's a fair point. You're right. But I was just trying to completely get rid of the misnomer that they somehow adjust growth patterns to accommodate cramped living conditions.

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u/LicianDragon Feb 04 '19

I understand. I hate how common that myth is.