Food or Friend?

[black_sun]

Yesterday I picked up a small Polypterus delhezi from a LFS (it is about 5" in length). And after a night of hiding away in a cave, it's come out and become very active today.

Anyway, I also have a Hoplo catfish (Megalechis thoracata) in the same tank and the Poly has taken a great deal of interest in the catfish (the Hoplo is just slightly smaller in length than the Poly). It's not being aggressive, but it's actively following the catfish around and occasionally bumping it lightly with it's nose/snout. Every time I've looked at the tank today, the catfish and the Poly have been together.

Everything I was reading about Polys said I could keep them with catfish and fish that were too large to fit in their mouths (and this Hoplo is definitely too big to fit in it's mouth). So, is my Poly being curious about it's new tankmate or is it about to try and bite off more than it can chew?

(And in the long run the Hoplo won't be a tankmate, as my Poly grows out a bit I'll be moving it to a much larger tank, currently 30gal, going to a 55gal.)


Additionally, is there anyway I can tell if my Poly is a male or female, or am I doomed to referring to it as "it"? lol

Thanks for any comments, info, advice, etc!

 

[crowxviii]

First off, try to monitor if the del's behavior toward your catfish wont develop into aggression. maybe its just trying to make "friends". my 2 delhezis stay together most of the time unlike other poly's in the tank. just remember not to starve for it for it might trigger the aggression.
Secondly, if you want to sex your del, post some pictures showing its anal fin. best view from the side. a lot of us here could help you with that if you have the pix.

 

[beblondie]

 

[black_sun]

First off, try to monitor if the del's behavior toward your catfish wont develop into aggression. maybe its just trying to make "friends". my 2 delhezis stay together most of the time unlike other poly's in the tank. just remember not to starve for it for it might trigger the aggression.
Secondly, if you want to sex your del, post some pictures showing its anal fin. best view from the side. a lot of us here could help you with that if you have the pix.

I'll keep a close eye on it's behavior. I'm going to hope it's trying to make "friends", though if it's trying to socialize with the catfish is that bad? I mean, should I go back to the LFS and get it another delhezi to be with? Or is it possible for them to socialize (and not just tolerate) with other species?

And I don't think it's going to starve, it was munching on some worms with the catfish before. I hope that continues, I don't really want to see it trying to munch on the catfish instead.

Thanks!

 

[black_sun]

Hmm, well it looks like it's got the small fin like the female in that illustration. But it's got the long tail like the male in that illustration as well. Can the females have long tails like the male in the illustration?

 

[crowxviii]

I dont think you should get another del. I'm just stating an example that dels are somewhat sociable.

its a female alright. tail size doesn't actually matter. only the anal fins. Anyway, your del looks very healthy.

 

[Cohazard]

Hmm, well it looks like it's got the small fin like the female in that illustration. But it's got the long tail like the male in that illustration as well. Can the females have long tails like the male in the illustration?

It's still early to tell with yours, it appears 4" appx, and although my first reaction would be female, it's anal fin could widen when it grows, that has been my experience with delhezi.

The illustration's focus is the anal fin. The tail fin is similar on males and females, but in the illustration, the females tail fin appears to be damaged.

 

[wolfsburgfanatic]

Hmm, well it looks like it's got the small fin like the female in that illustration. But it's got the long tail like the male in that illustration as well. Can the females have long tails like the male in the illustration?

at 5" its still growing and accurate sexing is difficult. I believe its not until about 7" that you can really be sure. Just from what I've read on here. Beautiful Del

edit: cohazard beat me to it...

 

[black_sun]

Awesome, thanks everyone!

So, it gets to be "it" for a few more inches lol

 

[uting]

That is a nice stripe less Del. I am sure it is from one farm in Asia because it is
stripe less