KELBERI PEACOCK BASS WITH SENEGAL BICHIRS

[Tpepe321]

Anyone have experience with this mix before?
I have 3 Senegal Bichirs at around 12" in with 3 Kelberi peacock bass 4-7", plenty of hiding spots etc.
So far so good, no issues with feeding, or aggression, but will that remain the case when the bass are 12"+?

 

[LBDave]

I think Kel bass are fairly non-aggressive (my small experience). They are most aggressive with other bass.
I have seen oscars dominate bass. My last K bass (15") is a very aggressive bass in regards to feeding. Bass want to feed or go after any fish that fits in their mouth or that the THINK will fit in their mouth. This makes people think they are aggressive, but their temperament is more about eating fish and at times fighting other bass IMHO.
My bass is in the same tank with an 8" jurupari. She could pick on him but he has a hiding plant area if needed. Generally she leaves him alone. Many times the are side by side. She is pretty indifferent to him.

 

[Tpepe321]

to clarify my concern is one of the kelberi trying to eat the Senegal and injuring the Senegal or even itself in the process

 

[LBDave]

to clarify my concern is one of the kelberi trying to eat the Senegal and injuring the Senegal or even itself in the process

That's the thing.
Bass will try to eat anything they think will fit in its's mouth. My bass ate 4" redhooks when the bass were about 12"
They grew up with plecos but I wouldn't dare put one in now.
As my bass grew up they tested themselves for hunting. Trying to eat other fish. Multiple bass are worse. Sort of the shark pack effect.

 

[bassinmike85]

they are a good mix but a bass will eat anything that it can get in its mouth

 

[LBDave]

they are a good mix but a bass will eat anything that it can get in its mouth

Or try to eat other fish. Especially when they are growing up. My bass damaged a few fish just trying to eat them.

 

[Tpepe321]

Should I move the Senegals to another tank?

 

[LBDave]

Should I move the Senegals to another tank?

If it was me I would just have a backup plan. Not necessarily move immediately. If you watch your fish all the time you will get a feel if the bass are getting aggressive. Mine would eyeball potential prey. Bass grow about an inch a month during the first year.

 

[shern]

i would recommend having the senegal a little larger than the bass, bichirs are usually pretty docile unless its their own species

bass on the other hand can and will eat anything they find small enough