In need of a little information

[mrsrobertson]

I just got a new addition, a Poly Palmas, I know the basics, but is there anything else I should know about it. Can I put anything in the tank with it. :feedback:

[The TRUST]

Other Polypterus of similar sizes would do great

[Fruitbat]

Mrsrobertson...

Like The TRUST mentioned, other similarly-sized bichirs will do nicely in most cases. I keep my bichirs with a wide array of fish and have found over the years that almost any fish that the bichir can't fit into its mouth will do well. I avoid very aggressive/territorial fish like large cichlids and fish that could eat or damage the bichirs (snakeheads, piranhas, etc.). I also recommend that you don't keep 'pleco'-type catfish with your bichir. There have been instances where the catfish have developed a nasty habit of sucking the slime coating from the bichir's scales, causing damage and sometimes secondary infections.

Hope this helps and congratulations on your pickup! Oh.....it is likely that you have Polypterus palmas polli rather than Polypterus palmas palmas. 'Polli' is much more commonly available than P. palmas palmas (which is often almost impossible to get).

-Joe

[mrsrobertson]

thanks for the info. I just ask about what they say they are selling me, and then I come to MFK and find out what I really bought...lol :headshake

It looks like the bottom picture in the thread my bichirs, so what ever that one is. but mine is about 4 in.

[Fruitbat]

The bichir in the picture on the bottom in the 'My Bichirs' thread is Polypterus senegalus. This is the most commonly available (and one of the most personable) bichirs and will eventually reach a length of about 12 inches. Here's a link to an article/profile I wrote regarding this fish:

http://www.aquarticles.com/articles/breeding/Gallo_Senegal_Bichir.html (Polypterus senegalus article)

-Joe

[mrsrobertson]

The bichir in the picture on the bottom in the 'My Bichirs' thread is Polypterus senegalus. This is the most commonly available (and one of the most personable) bichirs and will eventually reach a length of about 12 inches. Here's a link to an article/profile I wrote regarding this fish:

http://www.aquarticles.com/articles/breeding/Gallo_Senegal_Bichir.html (Polypterus senegalus article)

-Joe


Thanks for the info. Too tired to read right now, working on 15 min. of sleep in 2 days, working my tail off, so eyes are a bit crossed and the brain is only working on 2 cells, 1 to type and 1 to see...lol.. not comprehend or make sense.. But thanks I will take to the beach with me. :y220d:

[sealover]

I HAVE VARY LG SNAKESKIN GOUROMIS WITH MY BICHIRS THEY STAY AT THE TOP THEY PRETTY AND WANT BE BULLIED IN THE TANK. AND WIIL EAT LEFT OVER FOOD .

[sealover]

I HAVE VARY LG SNAKESKIN GOUROMIS WITH MY BICHIRS THEY STAY AT THE TOP THEY PRETTY AND WANT BE BULLIED IN THE TANK. AND WILL EAT LEFT OVER FOOD .