Bichir age and lifespan?

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ESOX

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Aug 12, 2005
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How long will it take a Delhezi to reach 12"? I just got one a few days ago and I'm trying to estimate it's age.

Also the bigger question...How long is a Bichir's lifespan?
Do some types live longer than others?
 
As for length to age i couldnt tell you but i would think that diet has a huge role in this, im also curious though because my del is just at 5 inchs and i want to have a rough idea of how long till he's a big boy. As for lifespan im pretty sure its quite long, i think i read somewhere that some one had one that was 38 years old? Im probaly over shooting that guess but maybe, check the sticky at the top of this section, it has Primer 3.0 in the title it will probally tell you and if it doesnt maybe beblondie would know, i beleave she is the most knowledgable about bichirs on this forum could be wrong though! =P

Spence
 
ESOX;1208999; said:
How long will it take a Delhezi to reach 12"? I just got one a few days ago and I'm trying to estimate it's age.

Also the bigger question...How long is a Bichir's lifespan?
Do some types live longer than others?

The rate of growth can vary vastly from one individual to the next, including between siblings of the same species and batch of eggs; thus it's difficult to say wit certainty exactly how old a specimen is.

Other factors include diet, (level of protein and frequency of feeding), water quality, and space.
 
Sorry if this is what you call thread jacking, i dont mean to if i am i just think its ok to ask because its still about the main topic. If i start feeding my bichir more protein would that mean it help him grow quicker?
 
Amaroq;1209094; said:
Sorry if this is what you call thread jacking, i dont mean to if i am i just think its ok to ask because its still about the main topic. If i start feeding my bichir more protein would that mean it help him grow quicker?

Yes, a diet higher in protein will aid in quicker growth, but genetics will still play a roll. Not all polys will have the same appetite, and that could further add to the complexity of the question :ROFL:
 
Power feed with shrimp and Hikari pellets will aid your bichirs in growth. I bought a 2" delhezi and within 3 months he has doubled in size. If you maintain your water at optimal condition, no stress from other fish harassment, and having a big tank will help it grow. After trying all off the above suggestions and it's still not working for you then you could be like me . Go buy a big 12" delhezi from your friends on this forum.:D
 
on **************** they say that it is possible for bichir to live upwards of 20-25 years. but this sounds high to me, but you guys would probably know better than me.

http://www.****************/catalog_pages/wild/polypterus.htm#top2
 
Average age 15-20 years tho there are reports of some living 30 years in captivity-Anne
 
beblondie;1209737; said:
Average age 15-20 years tho there are reports of some living 30 years in captivity-Anne

30 yrs!! I'd be around 65.
Trying to imagine myself growing old with my Bichirs. OK, I'm going to stop thinking about it because it's kind of weird.
 
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