I think Vincent might have one bigger then that. TLKM definitely does in his pond but for a tank I wouldn't expect many people to have one close to 4' in length. Who keeps a 4' anything in an aquarium? The biggest red tail cat I've seen in a tank was around 30" but at that point the owner must realize an aquarium isn't right for it. Doesn't mean 30" is its max but it's most likely the point people say "OK time to find a bigger home". I'd assume the same with a garBiggest captive raised one that I've seen would have been close to 42 inches long. Haven't heard of anyone raising one to larger sizes.
This particular fish has plenty of room. It's owner is definitely in it for the long haul. It is not even the largest fish in the tank.I think Vincent might have one bigger then that. TLKM definitely does in his pond but for a tank I wouldn't expect many people to have one close to 4' in length. Who keeps a 4' anything in an aquarium? The biggest red tail cat I've seen in a tank was around 30" but at that point the owner must realize an aquarium isn't right for it. Doesn't mean 30" is its max but it's most likely the point people say "OK time to find a bigger home". I'd assume the same with a gar
So regardless of your friend who is not the topic of this thread, largest size 42" in captivity we will go with. Is that suitable for an 80 gallon tank? What exactly are you trying to prove with the 42" statement?This particular fish has plenty of room. It's owner is definitely in it for the long haul. It is not even the largest fish in the tank.
It is my experience that many people can't "eyeball" sizes with any degree of accuracy. I'm always skeptical of claimed sizes without seeing something to reference against.