Accidental breeding??

[HotshotRevolver]

So, I have had a 60 gal tank set up for 5 years now and have had fish come and go. Currently there are only 3 fish in there, a dinosaur bichir, rainbow shark, and a pleco. Or at least there were only 3. We recently did a full water change and substrate renewal and found what is clearly a baby bichir.

Here's the issue, the bichir has been the only bichir in the tank for 3 years. The baby is obviously a bichir but it also doesn't look entirely like the one I have in the tank either. I've tried Google to figure out how this is possible but haven't had any luck. Anyone know if crossbreeding is a thing for these fish?

 

[Caveden]

What the fug show a pic lol

 

[HotshotRevolver]

Here you go, pics of the current residents. The baby looks odd and we have no idea how it could even happen.

What the fug show a pic lol

 

[Caveden]

Hmmm but where’s the baby bichir? That’s the one I’m most curious about. How is it even possible

 

[C. Breeze]

You found a lost and log forgotten loach.

 

[Caveden]

Ohhh that pic. I remembered owning it before, if I’m not wrong it’s a kuhli loach? Definetly not a bichir. You probably bought the loach a long time ago and forgot it existed because it hides very well

 

[tlindsey]

You found a lost and log forgotten loach.

Welcome aboard
+1 that is a Chocolate Khuli Loach. Bichir will only crossbreed with Bichir.

 

[Deadeye]

Khuli loach like others have suggested. Those things are experts at hiders. Either it came on any decor you got from a pet store that was already submerged or you forgot you bought it.

 

[Potato Patatto]

That “Pleco” in the first pic also appears to be an upside down catfish (some sydontis species) ? not a Pleco haha

 

[Deadeye]

That “Pleco” in the first pic also appears to be an upside down catfish (some sydontis species) ? not a Pleco haha