Polypterus senegalus tankmates ?

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Vargur

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Aug 17, 2006
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Iceland
www.fiskaspjall.is
I am thinking of adding a 8" Polypterus senegalus to my collection. I have several tanks, fish are mostly African mbunas and oscars.
What are recomended tankmates for senegalus, I´m thinking of the Oscars but am a little concerned that those greedy bastards will eat all food before it gets to the senegalus.
The profile says recommended tankmates : large, non aggressive fishes. Any suggestions ?
Can I keep him with my 5" shovelnose ?
 
IMO tiger shovelnose catfish can reach their first 1' in not a very long time and they can reach over 2' (almost 4' ) at this rate oneday you may notice that your bichir just disappear:D or if you have that luck you may seen the fusion process.:grinno: Don't forget to take a shot:D

psClown knifefish, if you like it, may match your conditions:)
 
You can try arowanas,they swim at the upper level of the tank and the bichir at the lower level.
I already tried this combi and got no probs.
 
Is there a problem feeding Senegalus with Arowana or some other greedy fish in the tank ?
Any tricks ?

I also would like to hear aboat tankmstes (and tanksize) you guys have with your Senegalus and how it works out.
 
I have read a good trick on here about feeding bottom feeders. Some people use a long plastic tube in the tank that sticks above the water and ends a few inches up from the bottom. They just drop the birchers food in that and it sinks to the bottom without being eaten on the way down. I have not used this but it seems like a great idea to me.
 
Presently I have 3 senegal's (4"-6.5") as well as 2 delhezi's (4"-5") in a tank of mixed african cichlids with no major issues as far as aggression. As for feeding you do need to take the time to see that the bichir eat as well. I also keep things for the bichir to feed on that the cichlid show little interest in, such as minnows and zebra danios. My setup allows for a calmer lagoon area where these smaller fish tend to spend most of their time. Keep in mind that the bichir do eat at night as well so what they might not get during the day they will have a chance to get at night while the others sleep. These fish have been raised together from a small size. Hope this helps in some way.
 
Vargur;535011; said:
Is there a problem feeding Senegalus with Arowana or some other greedy fish in the tank ?
Any tricks ?

I also would like to hear aboat tankmstes (and tanksize) you guys have with your Senegalus and how it works out.
Click to expand...

aros aren't that greedy you can feed them without problem
usually the bichir will just go and fetch his food
 
I decided to do an African Oddball Tank. For now, I have a Senegal Bichir with a Leopard Leaf Fish. I was going to add an African Butterfly and maybe some Congo Tetras.
 
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