Small-ish prehistoric looking fish for a 55 gallon

[Rocksor]

Ok, thank you for all the suggestions! I’m still open to more, but I think I have a pretty good idea of what I want:
Option 1: Senegal bichir with an African brown knife OR some kind of puffer
Option 2: A red bellied piranha, possibly with a couple dither fish

I think that’s what I want, of course I’m still open to more suggestions, but out of the great ones I’ve got, I think this is gunna be what I would like best. Thank everyone for the advice and suggestions!

I wouldn't count on a permit as easy to get. I would rule out option 2 by 99%.

 

[Deadeye]

I wouldn't count on a permit as easy to get. I would rule out option 2 by 99%.

This is true. Often permits for restricted species are limited to research institutions or public aquariums. Not to say it’s impossible, but you usually need a good reason if it’s for a pet.

 

[Invisible]

Ok. I can apply for one but mainly stick to option 1.

Sorry, but I have 2 more questions about a certain type of puffer. Are figure 8 puffers freshwater, I couldn’t find an answer online, their sold under freshwater fish at my lfs but I still wasn’t positive they are. Also, can they go with bichirs. If I can I’m going to try to stick with fish that are sold at my lfs, as opposed to ordering them, since usually shipping costs a lot and I want to get this stuff as cheap as possible. They have fahaka puffers, pea puffers, and figure 8 puffers at my lfs. I know fahakas are too big and pea puffers too small, but I don’t know about figure 8 puffers, or even if their freshwater. If they are too small and they might get eaten or theyre brackish, I think I might order a dragon puffer

 

[Deadeye]

Ok. I can apply for one but mainly stick to option 1.

Sorry, but I have 2 more questions about a certain type of puffer. Are figure 8 puffers freshwater, I couldn’t find an answer online, their sold under freshwater fish at my lfs but I still wasn’t positive they are. Also, can they go with bichirs. If I can I’m going to try to stick with fish that are sold at my lfs, as opposed to ordering them, since usually shipping costs a lot and I want to get this stuff as cheap as possible. They have fahaka puffers, pea puffers, and figure 8 puffers at my lfs. I know fahakas are too big and pea puffers too small, but I don’t know about figure 8 puffers, or even if their freshwater. If they are too small and they might get eaten or theyre brackish, I think I might order a dragon puffer

Figure 8 puffers get about 3 inches. They are often kept in freshwater, but are a brackish fish. Salinity of 1.005 is good.
I don’t know too much about dragon puffers, but I would not recommend keeping it with a bichir because most puffers are known to not let tankmates live long.
I would say get a schoutodini but they are very expensive. Good alternative is an Amazon puffer but they are easily stressed.
Also with toxins involved, I wouldn’t want to risk something predatory like a bichir with a puffer, as slow as they are.

 

[Invisible]

Ok. Then I might get an eel or some Congo tetras, though I’m kinda not liking the idea of Congos and a bichir, cuz I know a bichir could eat them, even if it’s not too likely, congos are sold for $10 a piece at my lfs, which I would buy, but I’m worried that that school of 10 Congo’s that was $100 is gunna just get eaten, so I’m thinking an eel right now

 

[Deadeye]

Ok. Then I might get an eel or some Congo tetras, though I’m kinda not liking the idea of Congos and a bichir, cuz I know a bichir could eat them, even if it’s not too likely, congos are sold for $10 a piece at my lfs, which I would buy, but I’m worried that that school of 10 Congo’s that was $100 is gunna just get eaten, so I’m thinking an eel right now

I’d be more worried about the Congos killing each other. Senegal bichir wouldn’t get large enough to eat them.

 

[Invisible]

Oh ok. Thank you to everyone for the, advice, help, and suggestions!