Thank u all for the input and support. I'm grateful for those who can appreciate my fish. I figured 18" to 20" were the outliers, but I suppose to win u gotta have an outlier. Whatever the case, I think it would be wrong to show a 20"+ pbass in a small 20 g tall tank that the show provides. I do not foresee me showing another cichla again after this experience cause I think it is wrong to put a "full sized adult" in those tiny tanks. Even at 15" i felt like i was pushing it with my kel. And while A kel or plez might fit in the tank, it's no longer worth it to me for a plastic trophy. I dare not risk the life of such a pricey fish. Plus since most of the judges probably don't know the difference from a mono to a kelberi they would expect a 3' fish to give the fish full points, which clearly will not fit in a 24 inch; 20g tank. So, I think the true monster fish we all love will never fit in these bowl shows. Unless they change the size of these show tanks the true monster fish, like the emperor cichlid and our beloved cichla will not win the shows. I'd rather save my time, money and effort. I might show a smaller fish of a different species like my tiny eb blue ram that took second in his category. But that's for another thread. Cheers and thanks again for ur support.
