21 Years Old In A Small Tank?

[Travisman]

http/www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAIIQlWuems&NR=1&feature=endscreen

I noticed this video on youtube claiming that the fish was 21 years old. I have trouble believing that a Goldfish (even a Comet) could live that long in such a small tank. That tank couldn't have been more than 5 gallons and probably closer to two or three! Wouldn't he be badly stunted by then?

I'd like to get everyone's opinions.

 

[fluttermoth]

Fish that are stunted can still, sometimes, live to quite an old age.

It's a testament to how tough goldies really are.

 

[lloyd]

I would say its possible and there are other videos on outube of goldfish of similar ages but i would personally expect this one to be a bit more "aged"

 

[Travisman]

The age doesn't surprise me, but the age in a tank that small shocks me. Its not terribly uncommon for goldfish live over twenty years with proper care. On the other hand, the stunting which would have to have occurred for a goldfish to be that size at that age; should have also reduced the lifespan of that fish by a good bit.