posted 02-10-2004 01:17 PM         

"And, the only reason they seem to get only so big in home aquaria, is because they die from poor conditions before they get any larger. The size of a fishies tank, DOES NOT stop them from growing. That is such an OLD hand me down WRONG advice that is so prevailent in the fish world.
It will however deform them, and send them to an untimely demise.

Oscar are known to live 15+ years. Good luck finding many over 5 or 6. As I have heard so many times "But I had my really big Oscar in my 30 gallon tank for 5 years before he died!" Well, folks, these fish are only about 1/4 way thru there life at that age. Like us dieing at 25. Its sad, really is."

A healthy oscar, given a proper environment will get 14+ inches (that's not including the tail). And a pacu will get around 3 feet.

posted 02-10-2004 01:55 PM         

Its also very possible you are reading very dated information. Thats a flaw with the net, as newer, more accepted and better ways of doing things come along, the old thoughts and ways are still out there.