Common plecs have the potential to reach 12†to 24â€. Humans, like all other animals, have the potential to reach a certain general size, generally anywhere from 5’ to 6’+. Without the proper care & nutrition no living thing will reach its full potential as far as size is concerned.
The general adult size of fish is taken from what they reach in the wild; this is their potential maximum size. Mother nature is not the kindest woman to wild animals; many starve, die from diseases or injury, or are food for another animal. Common plecs in the wild, in these conditions that are considerably harsher than an aquarium, will reach their maximum potential size. I am sure they are not overfed in the wild.
From personal experience with common plecs; I have a few commons that I inherited from my Dad, who got them from a neighbor who got evicted. These plecs were not cared for by the original owner, two have stayed at about 12â€, and one at 8â€, for several years. They were not properly cared for from the beginning, thus stunted. They are in my care for the duration; they will not reach their potential maximum size.
I have another common plec, that is about 7 years old, that is closing in on 16â€, last measurement. This is another fish that was given to me, that was properly cared for from the beginning. It has reached what would be considered its potential size, and is still growing, since it was cared for properly from the beginning.
If you want a smaller dog it is considered inhumane to take a pup that has the potential to grow larger, house it in too small of quarters, and restrict feeding, in order to get a smaller dog. Most people would look for a pup that has a smaller maximum size. It is no less inhumane to do this same thing to a fish.
I like smaller dogs, so I get dogs that will have a smaller size as an adult. I suggest you do the same with plecs; there are plenty of interesting L number plecs that grow to a smaller size.
And, not to mention tank size. Do you think lack of nutrition is a good thing?
