what do you consider a "monster fish"?

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I believe that it's all about aggressive behavior. I have one flowerhorn I have not been able to breed because it tries to kill everything I think its a monster even though it is only about 8" long.
 
I consider a monster any specie grown to it's maximum size. All of us have lost fish before they have attained their full potential, but thoroughly grown and thriving 10" tall angelfish or 6' foot long gar is not only a monster but a testament to the dedication of the hobbiest (as well as 'luck' ;) ).
I once saw a display tank That contained small schools of 12" clown loaches, 14- 15" bala sharks and 3-4" cory's (they looked like freakin' horshoe crabs to me)among other things and it blew me away! That is what my wife and I striving for.
Just my 2 pesos. :)
 
Howdy,

Great comments, I especially agree with Miles and Turtall.

I think it's a fish that demands respect. Basically, a combination of size (absolute as well as relative within species) and attitude. Anything big is a monster. Anything small and carnivorous is a monster, too. I don't think small herbivores qualify as monsters. It's not mere size, but size certainly helps.

A butterfly fish, going after a cricket, is a monster just like an arowana. Especially if you ask the cricket.

HarleyK
 
right now the biggest tank i have going is my wife's 29 gallon community, and my 20 gallon with a Lamprologus brichardi and a couple of synodontis. the 55 is relegated to the shed till we find room for it in the house. i lost my 8 year old Pseudotropheus crabro two weeks ago. he was only about 4" but killed anything i ever tried to put in with him. he'd even try and chase the cats away when they tried to get at him through the tank. i still wouldn't consider him a "monster" though.
 
I agree with the achievement of full growth comment. Anyone who has ever seen a full grown A. lineatus killifish knows what I mean!
 
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