leopard ctenpoma

I've had the leopard bush fish for maybe 2 years and would hate to have to give away but I don't want to do the wrong thing and keep the fish in a smaller tank than needed...I read some places online that a 50 gallon minimum is required which means it has the same footprint ( 36" x 18") as a 40...

I plan on upgrading to a 180 gallon 100% forsure so my leopard ctenopoma can "roam" when I move out of my parent's home but school is taking me 3 more years to complete. I feel a little guilty keeping the leopard ctenopoma in a 40 breeder for 3 more years. Do you guys think it's okay since they...