What an EXCELLENT question - I asked it myself.
The answer is here, a bit down on the first page in post #14. I think it's fascinating.
https://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/posts/7705799/
All Bichir (Polypterus) Species - Updated
- Thread starter Josh's Fish
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- bichir polypterus
The answer is here, a bit down on the first page in post #14. I think it's fascinating.
https://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/posts/7705799/
I think its referring to a young wc fish raised in an aquarium and not reaching its full potential compared to adult wc fish that are captured at immense sizes. Some vids from over seas depict massive congicus and ansorgii but i think its uncommon to gain those sizes in our average aquariums.
Hao
usually posts giant polys from asia. He could provide more insight
Some of the sizes are not up to date though.
I think the main reason why YWC don't get as large is because of two main factors combined, the fish's appetite + the time someone has kept the bichir. Of course, water quality, and tank size plays a big role as well. But anyway some fish don't eat as much so you would definitely need to keep it for a longer period of time to see that bigger size. As for a monsterous appetite one, you would need less time to see that bigger size. For example, a monster appetite Congicus grown from 7" has the potential of reaching 30" in under 6-7 years (depending on other factors stated earlier). While an average appetite Congicus grown from 7" reaching 30" would possibly take 10+ years(Not too sure about this one, haven't seen an average appetite fish get that big.)
You could always update the list and post here
one reason a YWC may not get so big because during the transition time from wild to home aquarium they don't get enough nutrition because of low amounts of food given by the importer and store for cost reasons and since they are at the age where their fastest growth is then their growth becomes stunted
