Be watchful of harassment from the Oscars or the Arrow, this can also trigger fish to hide. My Ornate is a lazy beast.. my 2 sens are alot more active then her. But I have noticed with the addition of some pike cichlids to my tank she is slowly coming out of her shell. They are also gluttonous puppydog beggers, I can't walk past the tank w/out the broadway production of 4 pikes on parade.. If your otherfish are comfortable with you, the Bichir will to. Give it time.
Food association is great, drop the food in and stand there quietly not making any sudden moves. I've found frozen bloodworms and krill are great for this one.. or nightcrawlers. Not many fish can resist these foods for very long. Once the food is gone. step back slowly and walk away. the goal is not to spook the fish, and use food to associate your pressance. Do not walk past the tank w/out feeding. Once the association has been made you can walk past the tank just about anytime and they will come out. It's conditioning/training. consistancy is key. Fish aren't stupid.. but they aren't smart either. Food comes from my hand.. but they can also tell the difference between the bags of food... and how to beg and look cute to get some..
Food association is great, drop the food in and stand there quietly not making any sudden moves. I've found frozen bloodworms and krill are great for this one.. or nightcrawlers. Not many fish can resist these foods for very long. Once the food is gone. step back slowly and walk away. the goal is not to spook the fish, and use food to associate your pressance. Do not walk past the tank w/out feeding. Once the association has been made you can walk past the tank just about anytime and they will come out. It's conditioning/training. consistancy is key. Fish aren't stupid.. but they aren't smart either. Food comes from my hand.. but they can also tell the difference between the bags of food... and how to beg and look cute to get some..
