need info on Polypterus senegalus

[VPBassist]

I have a 55g high tech planted tank. I recently rescued a nearly blind African knife fish (Xenomystus nigri) and now I'd like to add some more congo river inhabitants to the tank. It was suggested that I add an African leaf fish (Ctenopoma acutirostre) and a senegal bichir (Polypterus senegalus). Ive never had any fish like these before; Ive raised Oscars, EBJDs, and green terrors in the past. I would like to know if a bichir would be safe in my planted or if they uproot plants like big cichlids do. Also I was told by a petsmart employee who was actually rather knowledgeable that he owns a 10" senegal and that its the meanest fish he's ever owned. Is this fish going to be a handful? The tank is in the livingroom and I'd like it to be a little on the calm side.

Here is what my planted tank look likes.

 

[303mfk]

my senegal is about 4 inches with cichlids but he has been with then since i got him at about 2 1/2 inches. They should be fine with plants as ive read they come from densly planted areas of the rivers. Also i think live food might give him the sense his tankmates are also food. Get it small and i think you should be okay

 

[VPBassist]

I never like feed live feeders. Ive worked a enough LFS to know how they are treated.

 

[RLHam3]

just make sure the tank is covered well!

 

[VPBassist]

I have 2 glass lids on the tank with no gaps. Does it need to be better covered than that? Are we talking eel covered (no gaps and locked down) or arawana covered (bricks on top to make sure it doesn't jump out)

 

[303mfk]

I never like feed live feeders. Ive worked a enough LFS to know how they are treated.

yeah, i was just refering to stay away from live foods so he isnt used to having to ambush live prey (including smaller tankmates)

 

[VPBassist]

yeah, i was just refering to stay away from live foods so he isnt used to having to ambush live prey (including smaller tankmates)

okay gotcha

 

[JamesF]

They're quite peaceful as long as they don't have bite sized tankmates. They may burrow if you have a sand substrate, but it's pretty easy to work with them and plants to make it work. They can get out of spaces that you wouldn't think they could. Kind of a cross between eel escape and arowana escape artist.