Loaches Online Forum

When you typically measure fish, especially clown loaches, do you measure from head to tail or just the body (head excluding tail)?

The accepted standards for fish length are SL (Standard Length) and TL (Total Length).

SL is from nose tip to the end of the caudal peduncle (the part of the body before the actual tail fin).

TL is from nose tip to tail tip.

The confusion in exactly what people are talking of when they mention their fish's size has a fairly marked difference in another's perception if they're not talking on the same page.

For clarity's sake, and for a better appreciation of the approximate body volume of a fish, I personally believe that SL should be used. It is far better when trying to quantify a tank's stocking levels. TL is for fisherman...."It was THIS big!"

A 6"SL Clown is a whole lot more fish than 6 1"SL Neon Tetras. With it's tail, (TL) it might be 8.5", but will be substantially smaller than an 8.5"SL
Clown.

Martin.

Then you've also got fork-length: from nose to the middle of the tail's fork. Used in fish with, well, forked tails.... like botia style loaches. Used as it's not uncommon for an end or both ends/tips to be damaged in capture or parasitizm/predation. Plus it's just nice and easy in the field.

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