oscars and Polypterus...

[Monk]

I have 3 oscars in a 120gal, and i wanted another species to place in the tank. I am aiming for something bottom dwelling. would 1 or 2 Polypterus be a good idea?

-Monk

 

[puffer_girl]

I had a polypterus with my oscar but there's a couple things that you need to keep in mind. There are different kinds of polypterus and some of them get vey large. My oscar didn't pay much mind to my polypterus but getting food to him was difficult. Let's face it..... Oscars eat everything! I was concerned about mine because he was more active at night and when I would put shrimp in for him to eat the oscars would get it first!!! I ended up giving him away because of this although he was a great fish!

 

[Monk]

I was thinking that myself, maybe i'll distract the oscars with food then quickly feed the polypterus . by the way, its a senegal polypterus.

on another note...this may sound dumb but how do you pronounce "polypterus"?

thanks
monk

 

[puffer_girl]

paul-ep-ter-us is how I pronounce it..... I'm sure if this is incorrect someone will respond with something silly! (Usually followed by ) Just be sure that if you get one he is able to eat! Although my oscar didn't mess with mine, just so you know I am not an expert on them. I would feel terrible if you got one and something happened to it! I am just speaking from my personal experience...

 

[Cyclop3000]

I agree with puffer_girl...I have a polypterus with a couple oscars in my tank, and i have to dump a lot of shrimp for the bichir so he can eat. Works out ok tho...

 

[Monk]

Thanks puffer_girl, i was actually pronouncing it right! lol
Sometimes its hard to tell because all the info i get on different fish etc. is in books or on the net, so you kind of have to guess how to pronounce some things. I uaually end up looking like an idiot when i go to a store and say the name wrong.
oh well..

thanks again for the help,
Ryan

 

[puffer_girl]

Not a problem! Glad to be of service!!!!! Anything else I can help you sith let me know.