Non-Thriving bala

[shar]

Hello,

I have 5 bala's in my 120 gallon, I've had them about 3 months. 4 are looking good and growing nicely. There is 1 that has not grown since he came home.
I watch him during feeding times and he eats as much as he wants,he seems healthy in every other way,swims with his gang, good color he's just very small.

Are there some fish that just don't grow?

Thanks,

Shar

 

[OrionGirl]

Yes and no. What is likely happening is that this fish is the bottom of the hierarchy--maybe chased a bit more than the others, maybe not getting as much food as the others. All these factors combine to make this fish more susceptible to the hormones produced by the other fish--hormones that stunt this fish. It's a natural reaction--each fish puts out hormones, trying to keep their competitiors smaller. Doing more frequent water changes to dilute the hormones may give this guy a chance to catch up.


BUT--while this does result in a smaller fish, as long as it's not being beaten up and injured by the other fish, it should be okay. This stunting isn't the same as the effects of being kept in too small a tank, and if removed and placed in a tank without the larger fish, it should start growing quickly up to the same size.

 

[shar]

OG- I did not know about the hormones! that really amazes me. The little guy seems to hold his own so far, I'll add a water change and see if it helps,so that he can be all that he can be

Thanks for the info.


Shar