Stunted clown loaches

[ali12345]

I recently rehomed 2 clown loaches who have been kept in a max 3ft tank for 8 - 9 years and possibly underfed too from reports but cannot be sure. They appear to be healthy and proportionate but are less than 5" long including tails. They originally had 4 loaches but the others had died over the years.
I will slowly build up their food intake in the quarantine tank but I was wondering if there could be anything causing this other than environment or genetics such as an infection ?
I would hate to add them to my own shoal including a large 10 year old fish, and spread disease. But they do look healthy.
Has anyone had this issue before?

[redshark1]

I think their current size is what I would expect for the size of their aquarium. If they are only 8-9 years in total then I think you can expect a lot more growth in a more suitable environment. Health is only something you can deduce but if they look healthy enough to go with the larger loaches I would think that they probably are.

[ali12345]

Thanks - I will leave them a few weeks to make sure they are eating well and then move them over .

[redshark1]

Well done for giving them home. I hope they do well in your care and add to your pleasure.

[NancyD]

If their bodies look in proper proportions & you think they were underfed long term, I'd guess they'll be ok, but still quarantine them for 4+ weeks just to be sure. Stunted fish often look short in length & tall in body height. No point in endangering your long kept loaches no matter how sorry you are for them. Good rescue! & good luck!