I've seen 14 instances now where a hippo tang was put into a tank small and never outgrew it's tank. The oldest one I've seen is now 9 years old in a 75g tank and is only about 5" long. The others have all stayed around the same size. I keep seeing information going both ways, and one LFS has now told me that in the ocean they will get that big but if you get them small they'll stay that way.
I'm trying to decide which way this works. On the one had I've love to have one as they're my second favorite fish, but on the other hand I won't have a fish in an inappropriate environment. I'm pretty much limited to a 6' tank max (currently have a 4' 75g) and don't have the $$$ right now to upgrade. So other than consensus is there any research showing how these fish actually adapt their size to their environment? I've generally found consensus to be of little use as I always get both responses
I'm trying to decide which way this works. On the one had I've love to have one as they're my second favorite fish, but on the other hand I won't have a fish in an inappropriate environment. I'm pretty much limited to a 6' tank max (currently have a 4' 75g) and don't have the $$$ right now to upgrade. So other than consensus is there any research showing how these fish actually adapt their size to their environment? I've generally found consensus to be of little use as I always get both responses