Ornate Bichir Noob???

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Chago09

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jun 8, 2006
587
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Ontario
ok I have no idea what these fish are... I am a cichlid and a reef guy and have been in the hobby a long time to know that impulse buying is bad LOL although I have seen pics of these online all the time and always wanted one. I saw a dozen of 5 inchers at the store for $49 CND, so I bought one.

I put him in a 77 gallon, let me know some tips about these guys. Favorite foods???living conditions etc. I read that they are nocturnal. Well mine is in a tank with cichlids and the lights are usually on about 6 hours a day. Is that fine??? should i not bother feeding during the day or can they be trained to eat with the lights on as well??? Any tips would be great thanks
 
they LOVE beefheart or other sources of protein. Mine choke down pieces bigger than their heads. Also, bloodworms are readily accepted, although may not be substantial enough a meal. Unless a fish fits in their mouth, they won't pick on anyone. They may fight among themselves. They rarely get diseases if treated well, and prefer warmer waters (77*F+). They hunt by smell, and prefer a dimmer tank. Ornates are the largest of the bichirs, achieving a size of 24". That 77g will only do for now. Good luck man.
 
Onion: Ornates are midsized reaching between 18-24 inches

Chago09:I read that they are nocturnal. they are possibly the most nocturnal
of the Polypterids this seems to change as they get bigger.As for tips read the primer I think its pretty complete (humble huh)Your lighting is probably fine you could add some floating plants as the like to hang out in them -Anne
 
whoops, did I say the largest? Meant get really large. Nothing like gross exageration
 
use sand for the tank if possible and give it a place to hide but it might stay there a while but tey like hole foods like chunks of fish owrms squid shrimp pretty cool bichir and there not to hard to take care of
 
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