Do fish grow to their tank

[moeel]

I am new to the whole fish keeping idea and many people have told me fish grow only to their tank, could someone please shed light on this for me, i would appreciate it.

 

[nm reef]

I believe in fresh water systems that may be true for some species but in general in marine systems the common species will grow to their normal "in nature" sizes if conditions allow them to prosper.

 

[thegrog]

Many freshwater fish do, but salt water fish will grow to their natural size and won't be limited to the tank size. That is why you have to look at the full grown size of a fish before getting it as that cute little 2" angel fits in your tank now, but will be cramped when it gets to 14"