Senegal Bichir Tank Requirements

[Gingern7]

Hello everyone,

I recently decided that I want to get a freshwater fish tank, and after browsing my options, the bichir has really caught my eye. I was immediately attracted to its primordial look and am now trying to see if this fish is a possibility for me. I've read some various sources now, and it seems like they thrive in quite large tanks, such as 120 gallons. My initial cut off was around 50 gallons, which after talking to a bichir keeper, is far too low. I'm not sure how much further I can push it, so I want to ask you experienced keepers what the minimum is for this fish to thrive? More specifically the Senegal species. I'd REALLY love to have one, but I have a feeling that their level of care is out of my range for now.

Also, are there any other fish that are similar to the bichir that are less demanding of space? I noticed the Kuhli Loach fish has a somewhat similar look, but I'd like to see if there are more options. All the other options seem lackluster in comparison to a bichir now.

 

[kno4te]

Should be fine in a 50g. Anything smaller can get eaten like khuli loaches or eel like fish.

 

[Zanzag]

Agreed. A Senegal should be more than fine in a 50 gallon

 

[fishhead0103666]

Just a heads up with what you put in it, it will eat smaller fish if given the chance. My senegals had never shown any aggression but were more than happy to eat the 2 dying mollies I put in there for someone to eat.
If it fits in their mouth then it will be food eventually.

50 gallon or 55 gallon? The 55 is a 4’ x 1’ while the 50 is a 3’ x 1.5’ I believe. A 75 is a 4’ x 1.5’.

 

[twentyleagues]

50g will be fine for a sen. 75 would be better and would afford more space for more uj polys like polli, gold dust, other sens, palmas, retro. Things like Congo tetras when larger then 3" would make good tank mates. Also top dwelling fish such as the butterfly fish. Just make sure you have lids.

 

[fishhead0103666]

Also top dwelling fish such as the butterfly fish. Just make sure you have lids.

I have about a dozen or so African butterfly fish with my bichirs which include all of what he has listed, a word on them, I find my African butterfly fish to be a bit aggressive when kept in to small of a group. I would either keep 1 by itself or around 6 or more.
Also, I can confirm you need lids. My tiny butt jumped out of the tank and by sheer luck I found it in time.

 

[Gingern7]

Thank you for all the replies everyone! Just to clarify, would the 50 gallon be appropriate for a completely grown Senegal? I did not expect the answer to be yes, honestly. Will the animal be happy in that size tank when it is fully grown?

To answer a question above, I can do a 50 or 55 gallon. That is negligible to me. Going to 75 might be possible, but it's extremely iffy and I'd honestly rather not have to transport it in the next couple years. I will be moving away for grad school and the bichir would be coming with me.

If a 50/55 really will be suitable, I am probably going to grab a Senegal come the new year. I just want to make super sure I wont need to rehome the fish. Much appreciation for your expertise and suggestions of other suitable tank mates as well. Also I've heard about them jumping and will absolutely be sure about a lid. Haha

 

[kno4te]

Thank you for all the replies everyone! Just to clarify, would the 50 gallon be appropriate for a completely grown Senegal? I did not expect the answer to be yes, honestly. Will the animal be happy in that size tank when it is fully grown?

To answer a question above, I can do a 50 or 55 gallon. That is negligible to me. Going to 75 might be possible, but it's extremely iffy and I'd honestly rather not have to transport it in the next couple years. I will be moving away for grad school and the bichir would be coming with me.

If a 50/55 really will be suitable, I am probably going to grab a Senegal come the new year. I just want to make super sure I wont need to rehome the fish. Much appreciation for your expertise and suggestions of other suitable tank mates as well. Also I've heard about them jumping and will absolutely be sure about a lid. Haha

The bigger the better. But yes....should be fine for a fully grown Senegalus. Since almost all are captive bred it likely won’t be monsterous.

 

[Gingern7]

The bigger the better. But yes....should be fine for a fully grown Senegalus. Since almost all are captive bred it likely won’t be monsterous.

Fantastic, thank you. I'll do some measuring and looking around to see if a 75 is truly out of the question, but I have a feeling it is.

Just one more question if you all don't mind. Would a 50/55 be suitable to hold 2 Senegals then? Or is that only possible once you have a 75? If they are able to be social amongst their own species, I'd like to give them the ability to do so. If not, am I reducing its quality of life at all by not allowing it interaction with another Senegal? Thank you so much again for the good information. This will be expensive and require a lot of planning, so I really do not want to make a poor decision if I'm not suitable to keep this fish.

 

[BichirKing]

you could keep 2 or 3 in a 55 easily. besides the lid being an absolute must they also need to have a space between the lid and surface as they breath air. i would avoid hang on back filters as I have personally witnessed my bichirs trying to "swim up stream" and I believe that's how they get out. just my .02