A few Questions on Bichirs

[tsoto80]

First, I was wondering how many Bichirs can stay in a 50 gallon without needing to upgrade. I have 1 right now with 3 tank mates (2 African leaf fish, 1 Fat/Jade Sleeper Goby). The Bichir is about 6 inches. I took these fish in because the person I got them from was going to throw them over their fence. I want to rehome the leaf fish and the goby (perhaps someone on this site will take them?). I would love to get another Bichir or 2 if possible but it's not a really big deal if I can't. I fell in love with the lil guy!!

Second, I was wondering about feeding them worms. I got some today from a bait shop. I put 4 worms in the tank about 4 inches long. The bichir and goby slurped 1 up each. One disappeared (I didn't see where it went), and the other dug itself into the bottom of the gravel. It was the strangest thing to see!! Sorry I sound like such a newb! I never fed live worms before. The worm that went under the gravel, can it survive, or will it end up dying? I don't want it to foul up the water. What is a good amount of worms for each fish to eat? I also put flakes, and shrimp flavored sinking pellets in for a variety.

I'll shut up now. Don't want to annoy everyone too much! lol

 

[Mount_Prion]

The worm will die, but probably won't be enough by itself to change your water too much unless it's a HUGE nightcrawler.

How many bichirs you can have in the tank really depends on what type of bichir. There are many where you could house a few comfortably, but some species that couldn't live in a 55 even alone.

Worms are fine to feed them occasionally, but not regularly. And you should be careful where you get them, they can have pesticides or fertilizer on them that can be harmful to fish.

 

[colton310]

i have a 10 inch bichir with a 12 in jade goby , and they are great tank mates. i also have a id shark , spotted pike characin, silver dollar, and 6 cichlids, brown knifefish, freshwater toadfish,and 2 plecos . it is a very diverse tank but i have absolutely no problems.

 

[Dr.B]

depending on the polypterus species you were thinking of putting in there 3 is ok to me as long as you have enough food and hiding places. with the exception of ornate and weeksi almost any of the upper-jawed species would be fine possible for life. if not life then for a long time.