birchir/poly

[KurseD]

my lfs just recentl got some poly/birchir's (they called them lizard dragon fish...heh) but yeah, i'm thinking about getting one and was wonder if any MFK'er out there could give me some tips. i've researched them, i'd like a more personal rundown.
right now i'm planning on puting them in my 55gal with 2 black giant gourami's and an inc. shark (planning on getting an aro too). here are just a few questions.

how fast do they grow?
what do they eat? (the one i'm looking at is 4")
what is there temperment?
actual PH? (i've seen sites saying from 6.5-8.0)
do they really try to jump out any hole they see on the lid?

any info would be greatly appericated. MFK rules!!!

 

[beblondie]

''they called them lizard dragon fish''Well alrighty a new sensational stupid name lo
lol.How much are the lizard dragon fish ?
I'm gonna guess in reality its Polypterus senegalus senegalus.

how fast do they grow?They can grow an inch or two a month until about 7-8 inches when the growth rate slows and they generally reach 10-12 inches

what do they eat? (the one i'm looking at is 4")They are non agressive predators generaly speaking Feeding
Live foods : guppies , rosey red minnows, ghost shrimp, earthworms
frozen: bloodworms, mysis shrimp,brine shrimp , krill, squid and frozen silversides
some will take pellets, lean meaty foods such as beefheart are good too
but you need to balance their diet for nutrition so vary the diet, not just one
thing.How much to feed them ? Feed them until their belly bows slightly.
and skipping a meal will not hurt themonce they are
past 7-8 inches remember in the wild food is not
always available.A nice round bichir is a happy bichir
NUTRITION FOR CARNIVORES
Below are the agreed upon nutritional requirements for predatory fish
below that is a list of necessary vitamins usually supplied and just for informational
purposes.
PROTEIN:: 45% or more (this would be the ideal)
FAT:: 3% Min. to 6% Max.
FIBER 2% Min. to 4% Max

what is there temperment? depends on the species and individual if its a Polypterus senegalus they are very outgiong with a great curiosity and active
during the day

actual PH? (i've seen sites saying from 6.5-8.0) They are very tolerent of water conditions I keep mine around 7.4pH

do they really try to jump out any hole they see on the lid? They can and any opening need to be covered also
hope this helps as polys are great fish -Anne

one other thing unless you're planning to upgrade the tank a 55 is to small for an arrowanna-Anne

 

[KurseD]

thanks for all the info beblond. sounds like the kinda fish i'm looking for. the one's they have at my lfs don't really look like poly senegalus. but then again there still young, only around 3in. they are very colorful (as in tans, blacks, browns, and such)i'm gonna pick it up tomorrow. i'm just hoping my gourami's will leave him alone, there pretty peaceful when not hungry. yeah, my 55 gal is way to small for the fish i have and am planning on having. i'm in the process of getting a 125gal from my uncle. just need to find a place to keep it and something to hold it besides hallow blocks.

 

[WckedMidas]

even a 125gonna be cramped on the aro and the bichirs will generaly eat anything. find a good staple pellets tofeed them. find some beefhart, missis shrimp, nightcrawlers , if its small buy trout worms they the worms for trout fishing.

 

[t-han]

Cover your tank!

 

[mcblack]

cover your tank and feed them a variety of foods, keep us updated and post some pictures so we can identify the bichir better

 

[lizardfishman]

if it's a senegalus, it can be housed for life in ur 55gal. i'm going to get 1 soon for my 55.