Bichir and ... Adult Swordtails? Does it work?

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

Catnkit

Gambusia
MFK Member
Jun 8, 2011
270
1
18
Toronto
I realize it's a stretch, but can a sen Bichir (and three ropefish) be kept with a small school of the BIGGEST swordtails I can find? 4"+.

I want something dithering at the top of this tank but I don't like cichlids, barbs, danios, or any of the other suggestions or options I've found so far. And attempting a beautiful little butterfly fish ended very badly.

So yeah... Swords? Okay or no?

Cat
 
No, they weren't intended as feeders, that's why I'm asking if they would be okay (safe).

I don't know which kind of rainbow fish you're referring to, rainbow whats? And what does SD stand for please?

Thanks for your reply,

Cat
 
Polys will try to eat any smaller tankmates they're in with. If they can't eat a fish in one swallow, they'll deathroll a fish much the same way a gator will roll to tear their prey up into manageable pieces. Basically, if any aspect of a tankmate can fit a polys mouth, there's a risk that it will end up on the menu.
 
Grr.... kinda figured. It's too bad the butterfly didnt work despite so much reccomendation online... and I get mixed reviews on two bichirs too. Is there no top fish for me to pick that I like? T-T

Search continues. Too bad there aren't any mini-gars....

Cat
 
I'd be more worried about something that's difficult (but still possible) for a bichir to eat than something that's easy. I once lost a young P. endlicheri because he ate a 3" Celebes rainbowfish and couldn't pass it through his digestive tract. I have also heard stories of bichirs choking while eating other fish. I found one with a roseline shark in its mouth that it definitely couldn't swallow. Luckily I caught it before it was too late for both of them!
 
What size tank are you keeping them in? There are other fish, but they require larger tanks.

I'm growing out an Odoe pike to add with my bichirs. I've been thinking of trying mormyrids, I saw some larger elephant nose a month ago, i don't know if their scent is attractive as a prey item for the bichirs though.

I've tried congo tetras and the bichirs actively swam around hunting for them.
 
The bichir and three ropes are in a 65 gallon. I just recently put a little bushynose pleco in there, so there's her too. I know that those four wont hurt her, she's been in with them before in another tank and she's meaner than they are XD (not actually mean, but she holds her own). If only there were as heavily-armed top fish that would fit...

Cat
 
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