I got a 15" ORNATE BICHIR that is in a 130g with a one foot florida gar and an 18 inch clownknife. The bichir, everytime I look closely at it swims wildly fast and bumps into the heaters and everywhere. Is there a way that I can calm him down?
15" ORNATE BICHIR HELP
- Thread starter bryant02
- Start date
Is he new? How long have you had him?
What are your water parameters?
Does he have any hiding spots? That will help him to feel safe enough to calm down.
What are your water parameters?
Does he have any hiding spots? That will help him to feel safe enough to calm down.
bryant02;1737748; said:
from what you said....you seem to have been frightening it when you look up to it so closely...as you know us humans have big heads compared to our bichirs and other fishes....but all will go when it get used to your big head
Yeah I don't think its a problem. If hes brand new, give him a good hiding spot and turn the lights off for 24-48 hours, and things should be fine...
the bottom is bare. and water and everything is fine. i had him for like 2 weeks and he's still moving voilently.
my bichirs have a tendency to do that if I approach the tank too quickly or turn the lights on in totally darkness they all freak out. Just approach carefully.
He's not used to you yet I have had bichirs that took a month to settle in.The problem you are having is simple by getting up close and staring at it he's seeing you as A) way bigger=threat.simple solution quit getting so close and staring for a bit-Anne
Considering bichirs are substrate dwelling species, that is probably your problem. He could either be seeing the reflectivity of the glass and freaking out, or he just can't find security because he "can't reach" the bottom. I'd cover the bottom with a thin layer of substrate, and if he calms down, that was your problem. If you really don't want substrate, just give him a pot to go into or some driftwood to hide in... just add some hiding places for him and his level of security should go up. I'd definitely turn the lights off for a while too, because if he has been doing this for 2 weeks, I'm sure he's sleep deprived... I know this sounds crazy, but fish have died from sleep deprivation in the past.
I look at my fish at night anywaysTo simply answer your question, YOU'RE UGLY!!!! That's why your bichir got frighten. J/K Add some substrate, pots, driftwoods, or plants and your bichir will not be as skittish. Cut back on your light use for now ease the bichir into it.
Add some substrate, pots, driftwoods, or plants and your bichir will not be as skittish. Cut back on your light use for now ease the bichir into it.