Best Poly For A 40G Breeder?

[Stump]

Hi all...

For a long time I have wanted to delve into the world of Polypterus. After getting frusterated with my Peacock Eel as of late from uprooting my plants in my 40g, I have decided to put him back in my 29g where he came from a couple weeks ago... With him gone, I think now is the perfect time to get a bichir, with my birthday coming up in March and all.

Could anyone give some suggestions? I know Sens will be a popular suggestion, but what other ones would work, and could I get more than one?




tankmates: 6" BGK, 3" severum



Thanks in advance.



edit: the tank dimensions are 36Lx18Wx16H in case anyone was wondering...

 

[sterling_mcdaniel]

with adequate filtration I think you could do a couple of sens for life, or maybe a growout for a larger specimen.

 

[Stump]

My filter turns over 240GPH, and I do weekly 25-40% water changes every monday.

 

[davcheng]

sens, dels, probably most of the smaller ones (look in the primer)

 

[beblondie]

Species and sizes
maximum known sizes often smaller in captivity
Upper Jaw Species-Upper jaw protrudes past lower jaw
P. palmas palmas ('palmas' bichir)- 13"
(subspecies)P. palmas polli ('marbled bichir)- 14"
(subspecies) P. palmas buettikoferi ('buettikoferi' bichir)- 13"
P. delhezi ('armoured' or 'delhez's' bichir)- 14"
P. senegalus senegalus ('Senegal' or 'Cuiver's' bichir)- 12"
(possible subspecies)P. senegalus meridionalis- 12"+
There is, Also the possibility of a third member of the Polypterus senegalus
group that is found in the Nile River
P. retropinnis ('retropinnis' bichir)- 14"

 

[Stump]

Thanks everyone. beblondie, that is quite the thread you made. I just went through it and it was extremely helpful.

Great work, and thanks for list.

 

[Stump]

Could anyone recommend a vendor? Or a reputable website?

I am uncertain which vendors sell them. I really don't want to pay an arm & a leg for shipping, so if that changes anything...

 

[Austin]

you can get senegals at petsmart usually...

 

[Cohazard]

Could anyone recommend a vendor? Or a reputable website?

I am uncertain which vendors sell them. I really don't want to pay an arm & a leg for shipping, so if that changes anything...

Shipping through Rehobothaquatics is very very reasonable. You just have to own up to the fact that having a fish shipped isn't cheap, but is worth it!

I would recommend sens since it is your first time keeping polypteurs, their outgoing nature, low price, common availability, and healthy appetites will mean you can learn about keeping them without worrying about other issues.

However... if you're ready to dig in deep, I would suggest pm'ing africanman (Toyin, owner of Rehoboth) to inquire about the availability of Polypterus mokelembembe.

They are one of the rarer (rarest according to Toyin) and IMO one of the most beautiful polypterus.

They are slow growing, and are the smallest known species of polypterus. A trio would be perfect for a 40g!

Still though, senegalus are best for starting out, they are just flat out awesome!

 

[Stump]

Thanks Cohazard, I appreciate that. I will definately check into both RA, and the mokelembembe.


I'll let everyone know if I reach a decision, or if I am close enough, but have a few questions.


Thank again.