Polypterus Selection Question

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
H

HurricaneForce76

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Feb 3, 2006
93
0
0
37
Long Island, New York
Hey everyone,

I was wondering- I put a post on one of my threads in the general discussion forum, but i thought I'd be able to get some better info from this area of the forums. :) Well, I'm starting an African biotope tank, 30 gal, and would like some sort of Polypterus in it, like the center piece, there awesome fishes. I've heard 30 gal is the minimum functional size for certain Polypterus fishes, and was wondering what would be best for my tank size, as well as my rather novice experience in keeping African tanks. I've heard Senegal's and Rope fish are good, but I'd like some info from people who really know, and are aware of my situation.(If a larger tank is a must, I'll get one when he gets too big for the 30) Thanks alot,
~76
 
Senegalus would be fine should would a buttokoferri. All of the palmas bichirs would work fine.
 
Upper Jaw Species-Upper jaw protrudes past lower jaw
P. palmas palmas ('palmas' bichir)- 13"
(subspecies)P. palmas polli ('marbled bichir)- 14"
(subspecies) P. palmas buettikoferi ('buettikoferi' bichir)- 13"
P. senegalus senegalus ('Senegal' or 'Cuiver's' bichir)- 12"
(possible subspecies)P. senegalus meridionalis- 12"+
There is, Also the possibility of a third member of the Polypterus senegalus
group that is found in the Nile River
P. retropinnis retropinnis ('retropinnis' bichir)- 14"
(subspecies)P. retropinnis lowei ('Lowe's' bichir)- 12"
Any of the above should work in a thirty gallon tank.I'd probably go with the senegal tho easiest to find cheapest too-Anne
 
Thanks alot Anne! Its great to see someone soo passionate about their critters, and someone so well versed in their information.. I bet you have the happiest, healthiest Bichirs on the planet!
~76
 
I have had my share of problems but its made me seek out more and more information on them and truly appreciate them more -Anne
 
Well, thanks for everything. In my African biotope tank, could I use sand with a Bichir? and does anyone have nay recomendations for African plants?thnx
~76
 
I use fine crushed gravel its a bit bigger than sand but not much and stays settled far better
but sand will work just fine

Bolbitis heudelotii, Ammannia, Marsilea, Eleocharis, Anubias, Nymphaea, Water
Lettuce and Vallisneria-Anne

if you want a more complete list of plants just let me know
 
Thanks Alot Anne, that would be AWESOME!! I was wondering, would any Bichirs fit in a twenty? I found out the thirty im working on is actually a twenty something. I have a limited chance of getting a 30 that id have to entirely re-seal, but im not too sure about it. Otherwise I'm stuck with what I have. I've really become interested in Bichirs, and don't want to give em up without atleast trying once. Are there any species smaller than P. Senegalus, like a dwarf or something, that would fit? thanks alot!
~76
 
What are the measurements of the tank you have?
 
The tank is 24"x 12.5" x16.5". It's currently outside leak testing- im pretty sure its good, but I dont wanna jinx it. lol. Is it big enough?
~76
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom