when they say "1 inch" what do they really mean?

[mellowvision]

I spend a lot of time lately reading specs on various small fish, keeping an eye out for the smallest total lengths... because I like tiny fish. When I read estimated measurements sometimes, I can't help wondering if they include the tail or not... I realize different sets of data will have variation in total lengths... but when they say a cardinal tetra only reaches 1.25", does that include the tail? just the main body? in general, I feel like I see lots of fish at stores, that are longer than what I read their max lenght to be.

curious what you think

 

[Rbishop]

I think measurements are consistently inconsistent.

 

[chinnp]

Depends on if it's a man or a woman doing the measuring.

 

[Coler]

'Standard Length' when described like that is supposed to be tip of the nose to the end of the body, excluding the Caudal Fin.

 

[duke33]

I think measurements are consistently inconsistent.

:headbang2:ROFL

 

[TKOS]

As you see, the problem is that everyone is measuring things differently. Plus all fish, even within species are all a bit different in size. That is why silly rules like 1 inch per gallon never work.

You are correct in that listed numbers don't always match the real world. But if you want small then try to find these guys, Heterandria Formosa the least killiefish.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

'Standard Length' when described like that is supposed to be tip of the nose to the end of the body, excluding the Caudal Fin.

supposed and is are two different things. i see fish all over the scale its nuts.

 

[TwoTankAmin]

Standard Length (SL) is as described above and doesnt include the tail. Total Length (TL) measure the fish from end to end including the tail. Some folks bother to specify which one they are using when they list fish info, too many don't.

Of course it also depends what country- after all a European inch is not the same as an American Inch and those Russian inches are alway the short est ones

 

[erin14]

Depends on if it's a man or a woman doing the measuring.

What does that mean?

 

[Star_Rider]

What does that mean?

well I'll give you the 'G' rated safe difference.

some women measure using a soft tape like used in sewing. these will give a different measure than a steel tape.