Sizes

[Mbuna Dave]

A silly question maybe, but how do you measure a fishes length?
Is it from end of tail to end of nose or just the body length minus the tail.

I know it is silly but i just gotta know.

 

[diademhill]

A silly question maybe, but how do you measure a fishes length?
Is it from end of tail to end of nose or just the body length minus the tail.

I know it is silly but i just gotta know.

From the nose to the end of the caudal peduncle is the standard measurement (SL) but some places use total length including the tail.
So for a swordtail the SL could be 3" a with total length of 5.5"
This is why you see silly sizes like 12" angelfish quoted when the true maximum body size is under 5".

Wholesalers and shops generally use total length so the fish sound bigger

 

[Mbuna Dave]

Thanks Diademhill.

I thought as much myself but needed clarification.
When some fish have tails longer than the body it can be confusing sometimes.

 

[mark7616]

i always thought it was the whole length of the fish tail included

 

[soritan]

Generally you don't include the tail, just the main body.

I wish I could remember where, but somewhere on this forum, someone said "You don't measure a person's height by making them put their arms in their air, do you?"

If that person is reading, comment so I can give you due credit for such a snappy line.

 

[Griz]

You don't include hair either.

 

[Mbuna Dave]

You don't include hair either.

Just as well,i shaved mine off last week.