Lake Tanganyika/bichir stocking

[DrVader]

This is my first post at MFK: I've duplicted my membership here here from Aquaria Central, as I am looking for some specific polypterus information. This seems like another outstanding community; very knowledgable regular posters!

We have a p. senegalus that is now ~10 years old and about 10 inches long. I've inherited his care within the last year, and am now housing him in our 90 gallon tall Lake Tanganyika tank biotope. I know that technically only the Ornate is native, but this specimen is a beloved family pet, and we're willing to bend the biotope a little for him, LOL:







The only other tank mates at the moment are three juvenille Gold Head Comps. They were shipped far smaller than promised (~1.5 inches), and I was sure the polypterus would turn thm into feeders. Nevertheless, they have beaten all odds, are thriving, and the bichir has given up any pursuit.

I'm now trying to figure out a reasonable stocking plan for the rest of the tank. I'm looking at other native Lake Tangan. species +/- a Synodontus. Any thoughts/suggestions by those with some cross-over knowledge of cichlids would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for the feedback.

 

[DrVader]

Uh oh, I'm in trouble at MFK... no edit button on the post? How will I ever back-correct al of my typos?

 

[polypterus77]

I recommend you use the less agressive species of Lake Tanganyika, because the poly isn't really an agressive fish as many people think.

 

[DrVader]

Thanks for the reply polypterus.... yes, he's pretty mellow actually. The Gold Head Comps are slow growers, so there's little doubt we'll go for a selection of less aggresive Tangans.

 

[fishfobia]

nice!

 

[tezr]

Well for Synos you can do Multis and stay Tang. We have a big Ornate in our Front display tank at the shop and it is pretty cool. Might be hard to find sub adult room mates since most tangs grow so damn slow.....

 

[DrVader]

Well for Synos you can do Multis and stay Tang. We have a big Ornate in our Front display tank at the shop and it is pretty cool. Might be hard to find sub adult room mates since most tangs grow so damn slow.....

Yes, looks like its going to take years for these comps. to reach sexual maturity. We could do multis very easily and there are planty of Whale's eye for them. My wife likes the lemon leulepi... any thoughts on this pick?

 

[tezr]

Yes, looks like its going to take years for these comps. to reach sexual maturity. We could do multis very easily and there are planty of Whale's eye for them. My wife likes the lemon leulepi... any thoughts on this pick?

There is actually a Julie and a Leulepi in the big display as well. Apparently they can take care of themselves pretty well.

 

[DrVader]

Great looking tanks! Interesting to see so many species seemingly get along so well.

 

[polish]

Uh oh, I'm in trouble at MFK... no edit button on the post? How will I ever back-correct al of my typos?

You don't. *Well you can but only right away, I just added this part but the edit button goes away a few minutes after you post, or is it when someone posts under you? I forget but either way it's not there long so double check your post before you click reply.

I am not a fan of the no edit thing but it keeps children from editing that they've got an Oscar in a Goldfish bowl after everyone yells at them.

Nice tank and very nice Poly, I've got a Juvi Senegal myself. They are very cool fish.