3 months ago I stocked my 180gallon with the following fish all between 4-6".....(Red Devil, Butikoferi, 2-Mono Peacock Bass, Jardini Arowana, Marble Pim Catfish, Marble Horn Pleco and Ornate Bichir. Even though i will eventually need to thin things out as they all grow to adulthood everything is working out great with no excessive fighting. My only problem is the Bichir, he wont eat and is not at all aggressive during feeding time like the others so when his food is dropped he is in no hurry to eat it until its too late and someone else eats it. I have researched other post and have come to realize that bichirs are very lazy and laid back when it comes to feeding. When i first got it i would put alot of feeder goldfish in the tank and eventually one would swin down in front of the bichir and he would grab it. Now as soon as the goldfish hits the tank the arowana and the peacock bass eat them all in seconds so the bichir has no chance. I also tried beefheart by letting it soak a bit and laying it right in front of the bichir but then the catfish or the RD will come up and grab it but not until it sits there for about a minute. I also tried sinking carnivore pellets that the catfish absolutely loves but the bichir wont touch them. I have had some luck with soaking krill in warm water then putting it at the bottom of the tank but the bichir will eat a few peices sparingly. I fear that unless this guy starts eating and growing he will either starve to death or be eaten by the catfish who is growing rapidly along with all the other occupants. So what can i do ? I'm probably going to trade him in at my lfs if he doesn't start eating more soon.
