ID (no photo) Can I add to a 55?

[negative_tea]

I have one Sene in a 55 gallon tank. I went to the LFS today and noticed that they have another, different kind of bichir labeled as a "Nile Bichir".

I didn't have my camera on me but I will try to describe him. He was a very colorful and interesting looking little guy dark orange on fin tips, fading into yellow spotted with dark olive green. The one at my LFS is clearly a juvenile (3.5 inches tops) but I remember thinking that his head seemed more square than my sene's head.

Anyone know what this guy might have been?

Could I add him to my tank?

 

[negative_tea]

After viewing the Photo id guide I would say that I am almost positive that the one at the LFS is a palmas. would a 55 be big enough for my sene and this guy?

 

[RWaltman]

Yeah, you'd be fine...a palmas bichir doesn't really get above 10", and that would be "large" for the most part...I believe the females are shorter and fatter while the males are longer and more narrow...don't quote me on that though...I kept a palmas in my 55 for a long time...great fish. A lot of fun to watch...lots of character. I don't think you'll have any issues with the sengalus and palmas together...just give them each there own space...my palmas generally liked to lounge out on the bottom or float in the plants near the surface.

 

[negative_tea]

thanks. I'm still a bit iffy on the ID but in viewing the photos posted it seems that a Palmas would be the only one colorful enough to fit the bill.

If he is still at the LFS Wednesday I will probably get him regardless. He just seems kind of squarish and elongated...meh...if he gets to big I will get to get a new tank! lol

 

[angryinsect]

55g is a little small, my palmas polli was 13'' last time i measured

 

[negative_tea]

How long did you have him at the time you made the 13" measurement.

What scientific name would typically be associated with the common name "Nile Bichir"?

I have googled a bit and I have found several that are called Nile Bichirs and no juvenile photos of any.

 

[TheSwampFox]

Retropinnis it sounds like to me.

Look anything like this?

I've heard them be called the "West Nile Bichir" before.

 

[negative_tea]

He's mush more colorful, the orange, yellow and green were very intense, his upper body was more speckled than this and his head was more squarish, flat, and larger than the body...though this could be due to improper feeding/emaciation...I can't be sure there. The pattern on his eyes was very similar to this though.

When I asked my LFS about it and they replied, "I don't know anything about that fish...I have heard my boss say that they get really big".

 

[JamesF]

When I asked my LFS about it and they replied, "I don't know anything about that fish...I have heard my boss say that they get really big".

I just love how knowledgable most fish store employees are. You can't find another industry where the people who work in it know absolutely nothing necessary to do their jobs.

 

[Darth Scohin]

Nile Bichirs can often be Lapradei generally Retros are called Zaire Green I'd advise to get us a pic and Palmas complex get between 14-16" IMHO the only two species that can fit in a 55 are CB Dels and Sens