Size matters

[beblondie]

I can't find the post but it went something like this.
If size differences matter between bichirs which bichirs can be kept together with relative safety they will not make meals out of eachother.Thsi realy depends on the agression level
of all involved but generally heres a list-Anne
Group 1
P. palmas palmas ('palmas' bichir)- 13"
(subspecies)P. palmas polli ('marbled bichir)- 14"
(subspecies) P. palmas buettikoferi ('buettikoferi' bichir)- 13"
P. delhezi ('armoured' or 'delhez's' bichir)- 14"
P. senegalus senegalus ('Senegal' or 'Cuiver's' bichir)- 12"
(possible subspecies)P. senegalus meridionalis- 12"+
There is, Also the possibility of a third member of the Polypterus senegalus
group that is found in the Nile River
P. retropinnis ('retropinnis' bichir)- 14"
P .mokelembembe
E. calabaricus ('Ropefish')- 15"-30" (Closer to 15''-20'' in captivity)
Group 2
P. ornatipinnis ('ornate' bichir)- 27"
P. weeksi ('week's' bichir)- 20"
P. Bichir lapradei ('Lapradei' bichir)- 24"
Group 3
P. endlicheri endlicheri ('saddled' or 'red' bichir)- 32", possibly more
(subspecies)P. endlicheri congicus ('giant' or 'congo' bichir)- 39"
P. bichir bichir-30+ ''

 

[is300zx]

I'm curious what's the biggest size difference between bichirs have you guys put together?

 

[rkc772]

does this mean my ornate will not be compatible with my delhenzis in the future? i want them both in one tank!

 

[is300zx]

does this mean my ornate will not be compatible with my delhenzis in the future? i want them both in one tank!

yeah eventually you might have to separate them. but like anne said it depends on the agressiveness of the bichir.

 

[Keeper of the Ropes]

Thanks for the info but I was wondering in regards to them at different stages @ their life. For example: Senegals and Palmas have similar adult lengths, so as matured fish they should be fine. But if the senegals were say, 10'' when I put them together, but the Palmas were only 7'', would a 3'' difference in size lead to problems? They are both in the same Group you listed above, so would that mean it's the same aggression group and therefore okay?

 

[rasdbo]

as long as you have good hiding spaces and enough food for everyone things will be okay! how big is your tank now?

 

[Infblue]

For example: Senegals and Palmas have similar adult lengths, so as matured fish they should be fine. But if the senegals were say, 10'' when I put them together, but the Palmas were only 7'', would a 3'' difference in size lead to problems? They are both in the same Group you listed above, so would that mean it's the same aggression group and therefore okay?

size-wise they would be ok. but if you are talking about aggression it'll have to depend on the individual fish.

btw just to clarify, the groups in anne's list are size group, not aggression group.

 

[netemptyglass]

this forum so useful

 

[ninoe]

size difference is an issue, (ive had an ornate made a meal of a sen before) size diff. 10 and 3. though size won't be a problem short term but generally in the long run when they are almost near adult size. but its also nice to take note of variations in growth rate so you'll have an idea how long you can keep them in the same tank. ( Dels IME grows a bit slower than an Ornate, 'a bit')

 

[mcblack]

size is really an issue but I have tried mixing lower jaw and upper jaw species together, here is the details:

Bichirs:
endlicheri endlicheri 13-14 inches
endlicheri congicus 16 inches
weeksii 12 inches
delhzi 8-9 inches

Tank: 48x24x24 inches (120 gals)

They are in tank for about 2 months or more, seems no agression between them or worst cannibalism, will add my palmas polli when it grows to 8-9 inches, hope it won't disturb my bichir community