Senegal bichir with mbuna cichlids

[TwoHedWlf]

Yeah I only have a 20 gallon and my lfs wouldn't take one of em

Sounds like you don't have a big enough tank for the Senegal anyway?

 

[Just another fish keeper]

Sounds like you don't have a big enough tank for the Senegal anyway?

We were talking about a back up tank I have a 75

 

[tlindsey]

Anything that won't fit in the Bichir's mouth and not overly aggressive.

Also make sure the other species can't eat the Bichir's.

 

[Just another fish keeper]

yeah any cichlids that can go in big groups in a 75

 

[tlindsey]

yeah any cichlids that can go in big groups in a 75

That 75 would be ideal for a large group of Mbuna that you like.

 

[Just another fish keeper]

Oh yeah I forgot to mention bicher safe

 

[sevs and sajicas for me]

if you want to try mixing bichirs with cichlids look into some of the more peaceful central americans/south americans. I have my bichirs with some oscura heterospila growouts and a male gold severum right now. They get along fine

 

[RD.]

Agree with the above, mbuna are not suited for fish that can't defend themselves.

Really even yellow labs and rusties. Also I'am a beginner to cichlids so would peacocks be safe with a bichir in a 75 gallon. Thanks

Having kept & bred both of those species, and seen them shred male rivals, even when kept in a 6ft tank, I can assure you that peaceful, and Mbuna, do not go hand in hand. They are territorial, and have sharp teeth, and know how to use them. There are peaceful cichlids that you can choose, but as sevs and sajicas suggested you would be best to avoid the bright & colorful Africans.

 

[Just another fish keeper]

I'll probably go with kongo tetras or silver dollars and a more centerpiece south American cichlid.