Why the tiny fish?

probably the same reason people buy puppies. rather than a full grown mutt.

 

One LFS has two blue spotted jawfish that are 7-8 inches and maybe 1-1.5 inches in diameter. Marked not for sale.

 

I only have a 5ft tank - so keep with smaller fish species in general
I have Damsels now over 2 years old plus (In my tank for 2 years no idea how old they where when I got them) and other fish at various ages

I believe I have read that fish or most species or fish are aware of the limitations of the enviroment they are in and release growth inhibitors (water changes reduce these)
there are fish snakeheads for example in freshwater that lack this ability and thus can outgrow the tank they are in
a fish may get to big for a 5ft tank- but if it had been in a 8ft tank - it might have got bigger over the same period of time

Steve

 

A store owner of an LFS in Vegas owns an 11 year old Damsel. It is about 5 inches long and really fat. I was really amazed to see he has kept a fish for that long. Couldn't believe how be it was either. He had it on display in the store just for fun not too long ago.

 

I tend to go after the mid sized fish to small... For one you can get more fish in a tank of course pending the size of tank.. Along with the a good % of fish that are kewl/colorful need 80 gal + tanks... Or well just cost to much because of there temperment/ reef compatability...

Just my $.02

Like always Best of Luck..!