Can a BGK be kept in this community?

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

Adamson

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Apr 29, 2012
576
42
61
Switzerland
Looking at getting an 8" BGKto add to my 125 that has a 4" African Tiger Fish, some Tinfoil Barbs, and a 3" Arowana grow out.
I feel like it might have trouble competing for food but I could feed it at night.
What are your thoughts?


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I've had BGK in my tank for the past 4 years (2 years ago I lost my first in snow storm that knocked out power for 2 weeks). I've found that virtually nothing messes with them and even if you don't see them eat; they find food. At 8",with those tankmates, and in a 125g he should quickly acclimate. With proper water conditions and patience you'll see him come out and aggressively feed (primarily along the bottom), even with the lights on. My only advice is that if you feed blood worms, beef heart, flakes, etc is to create a current in the tank that will quickly circulate the food around the tank so food makes it to the bottom. And don't underestimate they're intelligence; mine can actually be hand fed and recognizes when I go to the hood of the tank that it means feeding time.
 
BGKs are pretty adaptable. Mine will come up when I open the top. Should be fine, but as the ATF grows, that would be the one I would worry about.
 
They are pretty unpredictable like Oscars almost. Some do well in tanks, but they don't do well together. I work with Neotropical Knifefish in my University lab. They are highly territorial to there own species, but seem to each have their own personalities (like all fish). Try it out though, why not? They are fun fish and can be trained to be hand fed! They are super common in the Amazon, you can through a cast net in some spots and catch enough to supply a town full of fish tanks. haha best of luck!
 
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