My overstocked 55 gallon tank

[Stanzzzz7]

I have seen plenty around 17 inches but never seen a 20 inch one. Not saying it can't happen though.
So many things can influence eventual size,genetics, diet, conditions and age.
Just because I have never seen one that big,other people may have different experiences.

 

[shamrock]

I raised the issue we don't need an arguement or anything

Can't help it when people throw ridiculous numbers around, but yeah I see your point.
I also tend to comment before reading all the post, my bad

 

[shamrock]

I have seen plenty around 17 inches but never seen a 20 inch one. Not saying it can't happen though.
So many things can influence eventual size,genetics, diet, conditions and age.
Just because I have never seen one that big,other people may have different experiences.

Not again! Really, you have seen plenty at 17 inches?! I agree other people have diff. exp but that is not the norm. I currently have a 9 1/2 Pseudotrpheus Crabro, just because one Mbuna attained a massive size does not mean that is the average size, it happens there are some instances where fish get bigger than the norm, but to say "I have seen plenty around 17 inches" Really? Where did you see these 17 inch Oscars?

I just feel like there are a few people on here that like to throw random numbers for either a "shock factor" or they really don't know any better.

 

[Hendre]

I believe he mentioned public aquaria and the likes

Can't help it when people throw ridiculous numbers around, but yeah I see your point.
I also tend to comment before reading all the post, my bad

Fair enough. I have little experience with these fish so I just regurgitate what I see elsewhere

 

[Stanzzzz7]

I never said it was the norm for oscars to reach 17 inches.I also stand by the fact that it's not that unusual either.
Most oscars are housed in tanks too small.This does not allow the fish to swim and exercise as well as it should.This will effect growth.
Fish also produce growth inhibiting hormones and pheramones that in too small a tank can build up and reduce growth.
Cortisol is a stress hormone also produced by fish that can effect growth.
The list of possible influences on growth rates are vast.
So I agree there are a lot of 12 inch oscars about but there are also quite a few that have been blessed with the good fortune of good genetics,ample space, appropriate diet in the right quantities and stimulation.
These are the ones that hit these sizes.

As far as, where did I see these fish?
I have been in the hobby 30+ years so forgive me if I can't give you the exact zip code/post code.
It's also not nice to insinuate that some of us are liars just because you have never seen a 17 inch Oscar. I have never seen a 20 inch one but I'm not gonna call the guy a liar.

 

[FriedFlowerHornFillet]

Not my pic just the 1st big Oscar I saw. They get bigger than 14 inches I assure you.
Even Wiki has their max length at 18" A quick google search will also find you a video on youtube featuring an 18 incher. I'm not an Oscar guy but I'd see them get brought in to the store all the time bigger than that quite frequently. I've never laid one out on a ruler because I was always busy and never cared that much.