Polypterus with tankmates: Bad idea?? more>

[michael]

Have heard and seen pics of beichers swallowing tankmates larger than themselves and dying from it. Saw one at the lfs that I fell in love with but am concerned for the other tankmates!? Knowledgeable lfs owner said they are mostly mellow and seldom eat other tankmates. True??

 

[beblondie]

Generaly if its too big for them to eat they leave it alone,Most polypterids are non agressive predators there are exceptions as has been posted on this board that would be the exception.For the smaller upper jaw polypterid species you're looking at tankmates 5+ inches in length with a fairly deep body.This rules out most loaches and thin bodied fish.Their tankmates should be non agressive also.-Anne

 

[garth_the_gar]

I'v never had any problems with any of the polys i'v kept. No agression probalems and not so much as a hint of trying to eat anything within even 1" of them. But, as Anne stated, there are exceptions to every rule.

 

[beblondie]

I had one of the exceptions my P.lap pickels he hated evrything heaters, filter intake, fingers
that 75 gallon tank was all his he didn't share-Anne