Which of the following characterizes a problem that stunts fish growth in ponds?

Overcrowding is a significant problem that can stunt fish growth in ponds because it leads to competition for limited resources, including food and space. When fish populations in a pond exceed the optimal capacity, individuals may face stress due to overcrowded conditions, leading to poor growth rates and lower overall health. In a crowded environment, fish are more likely to experience stunted growth due to both competition and increased stress levels, which can suppress their physical development and reproductive capabilities.

While the other factors mentioned can influence aquatic ecosystems, they do not directly relate to the stunting of fish growth in the same way. Low sunlight exposure can affect plant growth and oxygen levels but does not directly cause fish to grow poorly. Excessive nutrients may lead to issues like algal blooms, which can impact water quality but generally do not directly stifle fish growth. High water pressure is less relevant in typical pond environments at standard depths and does not typically affect fish growth in the same way overcrowding does.