Are My Goldfish Hopelessly Stunted?

[fishnovice]

I rescued some goldies over the last 7 weeks, most of which had been kept in very small bowls by different ex-owners. One was in filthy brown muddy water smelling like sewage. Approximate ages and sizes (excluding tail):

1.5 in common short tail-at least 18 months (in filthy small bowl)
2in comet -1 year, maybe older
3in shubunkin, kept in 18in tropical tank wit 6 oother fish -1 year
4in chunky common - 3 or 4 years, kept in 75cm cold tank alone

They have adapted well now to life with me in a large tank with clean water and proper food. They all look healthy, feed well and are very active ike normal goldies except for size. I've just read that goldfish do most of their growing in the first year so these guys should be at least 8-12inches by now. I don't mind if they remain small but will they have severe health problems and die soon even with proper care?

 

[Assaye]

I rescued some goldies over the last 7 weeks, most of which had been kept in very small bowls by different ex-owners. One was in filthy brown muddy water smelling like sewage. Approximate ages and sizes (excluding tail):

1.5 in common short tail-at least 18 months (in filthy small bowl)
2in comet -1 year, maybe older
3in shubunkin, kept in 18in tropical tank wit 6 oother fish -1 year
4in chunky common - 3 or 4 years, kept in 75cm cold tank alone

They have adapted well now to life with me in a large tank with clean water and proper food. They all look healthy, feed well and are very active ike normal goldies except for size. I've just read that goldfish do most of their growing in the first year so these guys should be at least 8-12inches by now. I don't mind if they remain small but will they have severe health problems and die soon even with proper care?

Well done for rescuing them!

Sadly, them getting sick or dying young is a very real possibility. All you can do is wait and see.

What size tank do you have them in now? If they do put on a growth spurt, have you got the space to accommodate them?

 

[fishnovice]

Yes they are going in a 4ft tank. If/when they do grow to full size I will rehome in a pond -or get one myself

 

[Honeythorn]

They may have a smallish growth spurt due to being in much better conditions, and good strong filtration plus very regular 25-50% water changes will keep the water in good condition and help to avoid or alleviate any health problems they may suffer due to their stunting.

 

[kelly528]

I have to agree thay they may not grow to full size (goldies do the most growth in the first year) but (and I hate to say this) the theory of organ compression, at least in carp is looking less and less scientifically valid so I wouldn't count on OC to shorten their lifespan too much.

 

[Truck]

Growth will resume, I paper I read on carp stated that they can resume growth after conditions have changed.

 

[fishnovice]

Thanks everyone for your thoughtful and reassuring replies. As long as they don't have serious health problems and live for at least 10 years I don't mind what size they end up. To be honest, I hope they don't grow too big so I can keep them all If they grow to 12 inches they will have to be rehomed in a pond. Have one lined up already , friend of a friend in Kent has a pond and is looking for more fish as some of his died recently due to the exceptionally cold weather.