Is turtle stunted permanently?

Question
Hello Jeannie, I realize you don't really deal with Red Eared Sliders but this could pertain to any turtle I suppose.

I just adopted an 11 yr. old male RES and he had been kept in a 20 gallon tank 24" long) for all that time.  He is only 6" (shell size) and I believe he should probably be bigger.

He's in a 29 gallon (30" long) right now for a week until he goes into our established 75 gallon (48" long).  What I'm wondering is will he begin growing a little more once he moves into the 75 or could he be permanently stunted or just happen to be that size genetically?

He's very active, eats well & swims back & forth.  I've been putting him outside too to get some real sun/shade & a kiddy pool to himself (he's in a large pen when he's out).

Thanks for any help!
Paula

Answer
Hi Paula,

At 6", he's really not that undersized.  Males are usually in the 7-9" range, so he's a bit on the small size, but not what I would call stunted.  Tank size doesn't affect growth, by the way, although it's a common myth.  What would be more likely to cause slow/stunted growth would be lack of food or proper nutrition.  It's possible that he will grow more with better care, but probably not a whole lot.  I'm sure he'll be very happy to be in a bigger tank!

Keep in mind that if you have other turtles in your 75 gallon, you should consider upgrading to an even bigger tank.  A 75 gallon is appropriate for one adult RES, but not a group of them, and it will be much easier to keep them healthy in a roomy tank with excellent filtration.  

Good luck with him, and thank you for wanting to help him out.