Bichir socialization?

[Guppy's_Hell]

Ever since I introduced the weirdo baby Bichir into my tank my other Bichir, which had not seen its own kind since it left walmart about a year ago, seems more active. He swims the lenth of the tank more, but not in a weary way as when some one enters the room he does not recognize, its more relaxed (if that makes sence). He "plays" with the smaller bichir some kind of head nudging game all the time and follow each other around stopping to stare at each other.

Was it a bad idea to keep him by himself so long? Are bichirs that conscious of their own kind?

 

[Razman]

this really should be in the bichir section, can a mod move it? anyway, bichirs are fine by themselves just better with more bichirs, its nothing to be worried about, just enjoy your bichirs being energetic.

 

[Freeze_Dried_Bloodworm]

Bichirs together tend to be more active

 

[beblondie]

The answer is fairly simple by adding a second bichir you reduced the odds of predation on the first one making it feel more secure-Anne

 

[danny]

i tend to think they are more social than we think

 

[RyanR]

not to thread jack. but theres no sence having another thread here..
quick question

would a bichir eat Hujeta Gars and redtail cudas?? (there about 4-5 inches atm) the hujeta top out at 9-10 (smallest fish in tank when adult)

 

[Zinq]

Oddly enough, my sen likes to cuddle up with my ctenopoma and they are alway seen together. So I'd say they're pretty social. In fact, the one that cuddles hates the other senegal and always bites her when she gets close. She's even driven her to a corner and hunts her from time to time. I think it's stressing the victim out because her growth is significantly lower. Ironically, the poor victim senegal wants to feel part of the group so she always tries to "hang"out with them but gets driven away.

 

[Guppy's_Hell]

interesting! And i thought i was just starring at my fish tank too long lol thanks for the replies!

As for the other question about the bichir eating the gar...

From the different type of feeder ive put in id say they might be safe. it looks like they are more attracted to hunting more "active" prey. i.e they dont seem to bother plecos and gars are pretty sationary most of the day. I may be wrong...

And yeah sorry about putting it in the genral forum ill put more bichir related topics in the right place

 

[amesbien]

i put a small pleco in with my bichir when i had him, and wow. He tried to eat common pleco like half his size but i snatched it away before it was too late.