Do 16" Red terrors really exist in captivity?

[cambrew]

The thread title says it all. Do 16" Red terrors really exist in captivity (that aren't wild caught) ? I have scoured the internet and can not find a single proven 16"+ specimen nor have I seen on in person.
Cheers

 

[Covetous]

I believe BIG-G 's big male is about that size. Im sure he will chime in. The largest I've seen in person was 14" I'm sure it depends on care and water conditions and tank size. I wouldn't be shocked to see a 16 Male Festae in a huge tank that's lived a long happy life.

 

[BIG-G]

Mines big but not 16. I have not taken him out to prove a measure but I guess he's close to 14 or 15

 

[BIG-G]

That little guy above his head in the background is a 5 or 6 inch fish lol looks tiny next to the old man! But it is behind him too, not as close to the camera.
Same fish at his tail in the photo second to last as well

 

[Stanzzzz7]

He's stunning BIG-G,
What's his temperament like?

 

[BIG-G]

He's a pretty good boy. He chases his girl around a little sometimes. When the little ones in the tank get to close he just kinda pops his jaws like he's striking something and they scatter. It's kinda funny to watch.
He's an A-hole to me sometimes he likes to try and splash me when I get to close to the tank

 

[Fizzicks]

Homeboy is looking A+

Age?

 

[BIG-G]

Homeboy is looking A+

Age?

I've had them since about 2009 they were just an inch or so when I got them.
There's a few threads about the largest festae on here if you search a little bit there's discussion about one being reported to reach 20 inches. I think there's some debates about the legitimacy of that claim though

 

[BIG-G]

It's funny I have noticed with him that he doesn't seem to be getting any longer but over the last few months he's put on some weight and gotten thicker.
I doubt he's going to get much larger but I plan on seeing him to the end.
Hopefully he will stay in good shape because when that day comes I'm going try to document size and weight.

I have actually thought about taxidermy. Preserving the old man

 

[RD.]

There's a few threads about the largest festae on here if you search a little bit there's discussion about one being reported to reach 20 inches. I think there's some debates about the legitimacy of that claim though

There was no debate, at least not from anyone that has more than half a brain. But that fish was collected in the wild, not captive raised such as the OP was enquiring about.

https://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/20-inch-ex-cichlasoma-festae.515375/