Polypterus Delhezi & Bolivian Rams?

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Deraulle

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jun 13, 2013
9
0
0
New Zealand
Hiya, I'm a new member here so any help and advice would be much appreciated.

I've been looking at getting a Delhezi Bichir for the last few months and have been doing a bit of research. I've got my Juwel Rio 180 cycling at the moment with a Eheim Professional 3 2075 600 External Filter. I am aware I will likely need to upgrade later on, however, I work in a petstore so that is no issue :)

I've been having a bit of trouble with finding tank mates though, as not many people can advise me on what fish would be suitable. I would really like to have some Bolivian Butterfly Rams, however, I am concerned that due to their size they would end up as expensive Bichir treats one night ;) Does anyone know of some fish that would be suitable to add a bit of color to my tank?

These are what I have in mind so far:
- Pearl Gourami
- Boesmanis Rainbow
- Congo Tetra

Also note, I live in New Zealand, so suppliers are limited and I may be unable to source certain species.
Thanks for your time :)
 
So it depends on the size of the delhezi you get. If you get a baby under 5 inches that all those fish should be fine. Most delhezis won't avidly Chase down live fish if they are well fed. So make sure you feed the del until he is full. Once the del gets closer to max size and thickens up, all the fish you mentioned could be a possible meal. But it will take a year or more to grow the del that big.

I'd say try it and just watch them closely.

What is the gallon size on your tank?

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TBH you don't have to upgrade (but it won't hurt if you do lol) because 1 delhezi in a 180 (especially a baby) Is something most people don't start with so he will have more than enough room to grow. So you are already off to a good start. As far as tank mates what kind of tank mates do you want? (i know colorful), but like tank mates that will get big tank mates that will be medium size, bottom dwellers top dwellers etc...,?

And Welcome to MFK :)
 
And for the rams you can add them if the del is small, but they're most likely going to start getting beat up when he gets to the 6-7" range and his stalking instincts start to come in. I would say if you add them when he is small like 3-5" they'll be good for a little while but keep him fed and monitor them daily.
 
I'm pretty sure it works out to be around 50g, but it is very long and short as opposed to being tall. Plus, the filter system runs at over 1,700l/hr. I'm definitely getting a baby under 10" to start as I'd love to watch him/her grow. And I'm probably looking for top/mid dwellers around medium size if thats at all possible?

Thanks for all the advice so far! :)
 
np and what i thought of is some leaf fish, datnoids, oscars, a lot of cichlids like GTs and a lot more (too many to list)
 
the tankmates are goners. They are all bite size for the bichir.
 
I keep my senegals with congo tetras and pearl Gourami , and so far no problems.

If you don't mind me asking what price are the Delhezi going for, as I am thinking of getting some?

And what pet shop is it that you work, I might have talked to you at some point unknowingly.

And if you are ever wondering what species are allowed in the country This is the link
 
MonsterFishKeepers.com