Can I do a sengal in my tank?

[rmorse]

Hey guys, I would love an albino Senegal Bichir in my tank, but is it possible? I have never had one before, so also would appreciate any info on these guys.

I have a 55 with a pair of JD's, 5 giant danios, and 2 Bristlenosed plecos. If I did the Senegal, that would be the last fish added to the tank. The Jack Dempseys are still young, still small, but are paired, and have had several failed attempts at breeding. (young don't make it past wrigglers)

Can I do a senegal? What will it eat? I am assuming Hikari carnivore pellets would be fine, supplemented with the frozen goodies I give my cichlids...


Thanks!
Bobby

Oh yea, tell me if I would be crazy to do this in my tank. I don't know much/anything about these guys, thats why I am asking. I would rather you all tell me I can't, then say yes, and have me kill a fish.

 

[pwmin]

it's pretty risky w/ a breeding pair of cichlids, so I'd say no, but anything is possible.

 

[Cohazard]

I wouldn't keep it with breeding cichlids. They really should be alone (the breeding pair).

 

[beblondie]

cichlids are famous for being just plain evil during nesting and brood care so I 'd have to say and watch the plecos for damage too-Anne

 

[rmorse]

Bummer. I was really hoping I could get one.

Ah well. You guys are the experts. Not worth risking the health of the fish.


Just out of curiosity, what size tank would I need for a senegal?

 

[rba718]

I believe the minimum is a 50, which would work well with an Albino seeing as they're usually the smallest. However, I'd probably go for larger, at least a 75. They aren't strictly bottom dwellers but floor room is still a must!

 

[groovitudedude]

Delete

 

[groovitudedude]

I believe the minimum is a 50, which would work well with an Albino seeing as they're usually the smallest. However, I'd probably go for larger, at least a 75. They aren't strictly bottom dwellers but floor room is still a must!

Agreed.

 

[marth]

wait, you need a 50 for a senegal?
Whenever I checked, a 30 gallon tank was fine for a Senegal, because they don't grow bigger than thier tank will support. But I'm not the expert here, so you might as well ignore my attempt at an opinion.

 

[beblondie]

''they don't grow bigger than thier tank will support.''
BUNK this is the biggest crock of well stuff in fishkeeping do not believe it
Now a 30 gallon would be the absolute minimum for a senegal and that means notankmates,excellent filtration and weekly maintenence-Anne
and yes a bigger tank would be better but it can be done in a 30gallon