Proud mom of 2, and I got some questions...
- Thread starter Cthulhubone
- Start date
Aw! They're so big! I've been hoping mine stay pale, but I've heard the substrate color will effect their coloring. Any truth to that? Do you find sand preferable? I read hides ( the hollowed out bust in my tank pic) are needed, and shade is important but I rarely see tanks with excessive plant growth that causes shade... at least tanks that arent all aquascaped and pretty themselves.
Aw, I'm sorry ): My store keepers monster arowana died,we had a funeral.
Yes substrate color will effect the color of Polypterus. Senegal polys are one of the most active of Polypterus. Yes they will hide but it's temporary lol. Aquascape your aquarium for them to your liking just don't use sharp stones or jagged branches all Polypterus have poor eyesight but they have smell sense of a shark lol.
Good to know, I kind of thought it was an old wives tale. I'll likely get some lighter colored substrate and layer it over what exists. I've been meaning to get more dragonstone so I can raise the height of the 'land'.
I wondered why she rarely used the china bowl, she only goes in there after I feed her then is right back out messing with my tetras. I thought she was just uncomfortable, but its good to know its just in her nature.
Welcome to MFK! Senegals are a great specie to start off with. Definitely the most active.
Welcome aboard 
Senegal bichirs are awesome! I got my two a year ago, the captive bred one (like you have) is closing on 6" after that time. Your tank should last a while but I'd recommend a 55 for long term care.
Okay for feeding; try and skip live if possible. Pellets are they way. I also include earthworms, tilapia, frozen bloodworm or mosquito larvae and occasionally feeder insects. Live food is a health risk and puts bad habits in for feeding, as an example: A shop here recently recieved an endlicheri that had just been sitting in the suppliers tanks and chowing whatever it could. The night it was sent to the shop it bit the resident ornate to death and a week later still was refusing pellets. Please try and get pellets in as soon as you can! Polys should quickly get into the swing of things, you can also feed them after lights out
As for aquascapes, they are doable. I keep my polys in this mess:
They like having spaces to chill around the tank and are particularly fond of water sprite roots, almost like a poly hammock
Hope this helps! This poly forum is full of the most helpful people around here, enjoy your stay!
Senegal bichirs are awesome! I got my two a year ago, the captive bred one (like you have) is closing on 6" after that time. Your tank should last a while but I'd recommend a 55 for long term care.
Okay for feeding; try and skip live if possible. Pellets are they way. I also include earthworms, tilapia, frozen bloodworm or mosquito larvae and occasionally feeder insects. Live food is a health risk and puts bad habits in for feeding, as an example: A shop here recently recieved an endlicheri that had just been sitting in the suppliers tanks and chowing whatever it could. The night it was sent to the shop it bit the resident ornate to death and a week later still was refusing pellets. Please try and get pellets in as soon as you can! Polys should quickly get into the swing of things, you can also feed them after lights out
As for aquascapes, they are doable. I keep my polys in this mess:
They like having spaces to chill around the tank and are particularly fond of water sprite roots, almost like a poly hammock
Hope this helps! This poly forum is full of the most helpful people around here, enjoy your stay!
I know next to nothing of these fish "cepting what I learned here" but I do admire your dedication to learning as much as you can to keep them thriving. My 2 cents!
