Fish continue to grow thru out lives pretty much regardless of their
surroundings. Growth rate, although controlled by hormones, are also
determined by the quality and quanity of food as well as water temperature.
"Gary V. Deutschmann, Sr." wrote in message
...
Hi Bryan

The fish is obviously too large for it's surroundings.

Many years ago, I was told that a fish would only grow to the size of
its surroundings. Although I never believed this old wives tail,
because it definately did not apply to the kinds of fish I was keeping
in my younger days. As I got older, I did some experiments of my own.

I set up 4 smaller sized freshwater tanks. A 10 gallon, a 20 long, a
29 high (which actually held 33 gallons) and a 55 gallon.
Into these aquaria I introduced a few natural local species fish as
babies. Mainly catfish of three different types, along with some
rough fish, scaled fish, etc. Shad, minnows, carp, bass, etc.
About the only things that lived past a year were the carp and the
catfish. The carp continued to grow until they began eating my
catfish, so they were removed, leaving only the catfish.

After 3 years, the catfish in the 10 gallon tank, were only about 2 to
2-1/2 inches long. The ones in the 29 high were about 2-1/2 to 3
inches, the ones in the 20 long were 4 inches and all of the ones in
the 55 gallon grew to over 6 inches, one was even 10 inches long.

So there must be some truth to the old wives tale, regarding some
fish.
I did have an Oscar at one time who kept growing and growing and
growing. He was so tame, you could reach into the tank and pet him.
When he outgrew the 55 gallon tank, we gave him to the library for
their 300 gallon tank.

TTUL
Gary