Mixing Gar & Bichirs

[E_americanus]

i agree with anne,

do NOT put a 3" bichir with a 15" gar. although gars are generally peaceful predators, they can be somewhat unpredictable and will sometimes even take on food that they cannot swallow. a 3" bichir is far too easy a target for a hungry gar. if the bichirs and gars are of similar size they should get along relatively well (watch for frayed fins if the gar rest on the bottom near aggressive bichirs, i have noticed this with gars living with P.e.endlicheri and P.b.bichir).

there are always exceptions to the rule, but i wouldn't risk it with the small bichir unless you are willing to potentially sacrifice him as a feeder.--
--solomon

 

[guppy]

I have got to agree with e-americanus, That is to much of a size difference.

 

[CDM]

3" bichir versus 15" gar, that's risky!! Better not.

 

[rayman45]

ok we have established theat 3" bichar & 15" gar is a no no

 

[HuttShun]

hmmm but now mine so far no problems. if u dun feel easy with it then better dun try.

 

[TheLoachGuy]

I wouldnt see why not.. Big enough tank should mean no problems

 

[E_americanus]

a big enough tank will not solve all problems, especially when dealing with size dependent predation. the gar and the bichir WILL eventually run into each other, the gar may ignore the bichir the first few times or every time, however, there is a good chance the gar will eat the bichir (especially since its small).

i have seen gars take down fishes that were much larger than one would expect, some that there was no possible way the gar could swallow, but they tried (and killed the tankmate) anyway.

 

[rayman45]

a big enough tank will not solve all problems, especially when dealing with size dependent predation. the gar and the bichir WILL eventually run into each other, the gar may ignore the bichir the first few times or every time, however, there is a good chance the gar will eat the bichir (especially since its small).

i have seen gars take down fishes that were much larger than one would expect, some that there was no possible way the gar could swallow, but they tried (and killed the tankmate) anyway.

knows his ****

 

[piranha45]

if you wanna take a risk, go for it. If you don't want to take a risk, don't do it. Mr. Pickerel above here is a good voice of reason to follow.

 

[dragonscale]

I'll play it safe and separate the small endis from the gar for the moment. Tnx for the discussion, guys!!!