20 inch ex-Cichlasoma festae

[RD.]

The preserved fish does not look anywhere near 20 inches.

That's because the photo in the link that I posted is not a photo of the 20" specimen. So yes, you did miss something.

 

[fwprawn]

Got it - is there a photo of the 20 inch specimen ?

 

[terrors r us]

lets face it folks....there is no 20 inch festae and if one existed many years ago, I don't think we will ever see it again, so bottom line.....don't mix festas with umbies. nastys, beanies or dovies because they are on different levels......
but they are nice looking fish.....we all know what happened with Mel's try at that.....

he has some of the best!!!!!

 

[RD.]

Got it - is there a photo of the 20 inch specimen ?

Everything that I know was posted in the initial comment that I made. I thought that it was all pretty straightforward, apparently for some folks, not so much. lol

 

[Gruff Master]

Forrest - I'm aware of the size of Mel's fish.

Part of the problem with big fish, in big tanks, is actually getting a tape up against them when they are holding still. Quite often I underestimate the size of fish, and have been a bit shocked when I actually get a tape on them out of the water.

I agree, RD. Mel has actually mentioned this same difficulty with in-tank measurements in a couple of his videos. Trying to accurately gauge the size of a fish in an aquarium can be pretty tricky. I never pull my fish just to get a measurement. But if I have a reason to move them I sometimes take the opportunity to measure them.

Thanks for the link too. I never thought Festae could reach that size. It would certainly be impressive to see. Greenterra and Balton posted the largest Festae that I can remember seeing.

 

[prashan]

is it a congo cichlid in your avatar pic?

 

[Miguel]

I agree, RD. Mel has actually mentioned this same difficulty with in-tank measurements in a couple of his videos. Trying to accurately gauge the size of a fish in an aquarium can be pretty tricky. I never pull my fish just to get a measurement. But if I have a reason to move them I sometimes take the opportunity to measure them.
Greenterra and Balton posted the largest Festae that I can remember seeing.

Exactly!

 

[fwprawn]

RD - Given the circumstances, and the claim, there should have been photos documenting this. That's where I'm coming from. Any scientist knows this. Anybody can claim that they saw a 32 inch Oscar, for that matter.

Yes, your post was straightforward, but you didn't mention photos, which is why I asked.

I'd still like to see these other big ones that a couple of you have mentioned. I haven't heard of those guys.

 

[RD.]

fwprawn ...... Given what circumstances? The fact that this particular specimen is an inch or two larger than some of the previous adult male festae this team has collected in their native waters of Ecuador?

As previously stated, this specimen was preserved, and is now located at the aquaculture lab at the University of Guayaquil. Obviously these scientists don't require photos of a preserved fish that's in their possession. lol Does fishbase have photos of each "max" sized specimen that they list - of course not.

And no one is saying that there aren't photos of this fish in someones possession at the university, or elsewhere. I never asked, nor do I have any intentions of asking.

 

[fwprawn]

RD - the circumstances being it's hearsay at this point. I haven't seen any of the fish that are an inch or two smaller, either (which is why I've asked, out of curiosity.)
If somebody claims to have such a large fish, possibly a world record, then naturally photos would accompany the article. I don't mean to be a bug, but I'm used to scientific claims being backed by visual documentation. That's all