stunted growth

[the caretaker]

I have had a pleco now for about 6 years, but it has never grown past 8". The condition of the tank wasn't very good for quite a while but he survived that. but now all the other fish have grown but he stays at 8" will he ever get any bigger?
I have 48 x 24 x 18 tank so there is a fair amount of size for him to grow to.
Cheers

 

[WILDER]

He might not grow any bigger if he wasn't fetch up in the right tank and conditions.

 

[KentBlokey]

Well what Pleco is it?

Perhaps it won't grow any bigger.

Look here for info!

 

[the caretaker]

Gibbiceps and according to the link you gave me should grow to about 18"
(not for the first time in my life I have to admit I have a small one)

 

[OohFeeshy]

Some fish don't grow to their maximum size. Like you get short people and tall people, but they both have the same amount of room to grow.

 

[jflowers]

Gibbiceps and according to the link you gave me should grow to about 18"
(not for the first time in my life I have to admit I have a small one)

Not all fish will reach the size they grow to in the wild. Also they are quite slow growing, how long is it since it reached 8".

Jon

 

[the caretaker]

it's been 8" for about 3 years now!

 

[Inchworm]

Hi the caretaker

Your pleco might well be stunted. This condition happens when fish are forced to live in small tanks or in conditions that are less than good.

If this is the case, expecting him to grow now is like asking an adult human to grow by giving him better food. It's not too likely to happen. Or, he might just be a naturally small one. As mentioned, size variations occur with fish, just as with humans.

The best you can do for him is to take good care of him now and let him spend his remaining days happily.

 

[the caretaker]

He will live the rest of his life living like a king!