New Bichir owner

[Butters Skotch]

I just bought my first senegal bichir yesterday and he's about 3-4 inches. I have him in a standard 20 gallon tank with 6 zebra danios a opaline gourami and a skunk boatia. I realize he will need an upgraded tank soon and I plan on it within the year. I just have a couple of questions.

1. Should I remove the tank mates and have him be the only fish in there so it is easier to feed him?
2. will he be okay on regular aquarium gravel or should I change to sand?
3. will he be fine on a diet of pellets or should I be giving him meatier foods?

Thanks for the help. any other advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[D12DetroitD12]

He should be alone, he may decide to eat the others, as for food switch it up between pellets and stuff like blood worms or beef heart. Also change to sand when you can cause bichirs are known to swollow gravel.

 

[D12DetroitD12]

For the things your asking I don't thing they demand change fast, he should be okay till you get around to it.

 

[Cholly]

1. He's liable to eat all but the gourami, so probably, unless you don't care if he does.
2. Sand is definitely safer, if he accidently eats some he can pass it. That's the problem with bichers and gravel.
3. As long as it's a carnivore pellet, that's fine. Give him the occasional chopped up earthworm at that size. He'll probably love it, and they're very good for them.
4. Keep up on your water changes, that's extremely important for growth.

 

[Darth Scohin]

+1 and do you still have the Danios? If you do they won't last very long

 

[GarNiac]

bichirs are better on their own.