I am sure this has been covered to death but I did a search and read random threads since none of the titles lead me to the answer, but anyways, I have a 75 gallon tank with no plans on upgrading anytime soon. I want, no, I need to get more bichirs in the tank...lol...right now I have two, an 8" senegal and a 6-7" albino senegal. I would love a lower jaw but from a couple lists I have seen I would be looking at 20-24" for the smallest. Is there any that are smaller, say <14" in captivity? If not, I'll go with my second choice and get a Delhezi or two, but thought I would ask first. Thanks.
Smallest lower jaw
- Thread starter Nubster
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lapradei will get to ~18"-20" in aquariums. they are slow growers, so it'll take a long time to get this big. It also depends on the individual whether it'll actually get this big eventually.
now will it stay <14"? that depends on the individual. if it's a greedy eater (and especially with some help from good genes), then no, it'll eventually be bigger. But if it's a shy eater, which isn't uncommon with lapradei, then may be?
it's up to you if you wanna chance it. I'd say it's better to go with a delhezi, which will certainly be fine in your tank. Besides delhezi will work better with the existing bichirs you have.
EDIT: i guess anne was posting while i was posting. she gave the short answer
now will it stay <14"? that depends on the individual. if it's a greedy eater (and especially with some help from good genes), then no, it'll eventually be bigger. But if it's a shy eater, which isn't uncommon with lapradei, then may be?
it's up to you if you wanna chance it. I'd say it's better to go with a delhezi, which will certainly be fine in your tank. Besides delhezi will work better with the existing bichirs you have.
EDIT: i guess anne was posting while i was posting. she gave the short answer
They are very cool looking fish. Mine is only about 2 inches at the moment but they grow up to have some cool markings. Unless like mine they are bandless. But he will still be cool looking with his little spots.
for what its worth I've had my lap for over a year now, I bought it at 12" and it might have grown a half an inch. If you can find a young one you'll probably have QUITE a while before you have to worry about upgrading.