Beginner's Bichir

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Y

Yoda1

Candiru
MFK Member
Dec 2, 2010
420
43
46
UK
Hi All,

This has probably been asked 100 times before. But I would appreciate some advice.

I have a mixed CA/SA cichlid community. Smallest fish about 10cm.

I am thinking of getting a Bichir.
What species is best for a beginner?
Is there is species that is less predatory than the others??

Thanks
Yoda
 
Bichirs all depend on what you like. All are pretty predatory when hungry and it depends on the fishes individual personality. But because you are new I suggest getting a senegalus cause they are easier to find and cheaper. Start off with something common than work your way up
 
Thanks for the replies.

My lfs has senegals, delzii and ornatus.

What would be te minumum fish size that would be safe with them?
 
Senegal and Delhezi are insectivores. They don't primarily eat fish, but will eat small fish if the small fish goes to sleep on the floor.
The Senegal and Del are pretty much ignoring my 2" tetras (which don't sleep on the floor).

Ornate will eat fish.

I would recommend a Delhezi. Easy to keep, eats pellets like a pig, don't eat your tank, and much better looking than a senegal.

Be sure you know what these fish look like. LFS often mislabels fish, so don't go by what the label says they are.
 
Yeah if ur LFS has delhezi I think you should go for it too. They don't need huge tanks a 75 could easily house about three for life.
And as long as the fish won't fit in its mouth your good.
 
My Senegal is a predator. As soon as I drop any smaller or slow moving fish in the tank he's on it. He chomped my four inch angel almost instantly when I put it in

Sent from my SGH-I777 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
 
I also want to add that I've had sens that are highly predatory as well. It really comes down to individuals. I've kept CA cichlids with polys before without much issue but I won't do it again. The cichlids always kept the polys moving. I do still have a Jack Dempsey with mine but he is more calm than most. As far as which poly to get, go with a sen first, they are great for getting your feet wet with polys. But if you decide to go with a del, that's a good choice too, just more expensive, especially if your cichlids kill it. Good luck and welcome to the world of Polypterus!

Sent from my SCH-I535 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
 
All bichirs are as suitable for a beginner as each other.
It depends on your tank size and your budget, not your skill level in fish keeping.
Bichirs are an easy hardy fish, and the genus as a whole are great for people of any level of fish keeping.

Say for example you have a 75g tank, then any of the lower jaw (other than Ornatipinnis, Weeksii, and teugelsi which can get to very large sizes) are suitable.
Thats purely down to the tank size.

Now say you have a 200g tank, then ANY of the Polypterus genus are suitable at any level of fish keeping.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom