I did the same and I measured 11-12, lol
I appreciate seeing a nice loach like this and I would love for it to be 18 inch, I'll shut my mouth then. I promise.
But even on the picture from above, when the loach is next to the jug, I still can't see an 18 inch loach. It looks like one of mine, and mine haven't passed 10 inch, lol...I know that looking fish from above is very deceiving though...I am just saying and I am with redshark1 on this...ruler
But please, do not stress the poor loach caching him, just to prove a point to us doubtful souls