some bichir questions

[LaPrice]

I dont have one yet but ive been considering it for a while now. I wont be able to get one until i move out, but its the perfect time to research!

Any who, wanted to know how big they get? Obviously each species has different ranges. But specifically for Senegals, Ornates and Armored(?) Bichir. Im sure Armored is the wrong name, but thats the only one i know for the ones im thinking of. Grey brown with black triangular stripes on its sides.

 

[ocellatus]

The armoured sounds like P. delhelzi. 12 - 14 inches, upper jaw species. Quite active and very attractive. An excellent bichir.

O

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[LaPrice]

yea, just looked at the stickied post with visual references. Sounds like it for sure didnt think they stayed that small, or rather not that huge XD

 

[Rafini]

I thought delhezi's were 18" fully grown? either way I know they are larger than Senegals. Sen's are your starter bichir, super active easy to feed and non aggressive.
Delhezi are a little more antisocial same with ornates. All will learn to be social as they grow larger. but you can't go wrong starting with senegal bichirs.

 

[LaPrice]

yea i remember the ornate ive met before only came out when i was over XD any other time he hid unless food was involved

 

[Rafini]

Ornates have a more natural approach. watching them is almost like watching a wild fish. whereas senegals are all pally swimming around at the top of the glass begging for food.
theyre all good. I hadn't kept Bichirs for a few years so recently I just brought a senegal, delhezi and a ornate and plan on getting more. they will all be going into a 200+ tank.

so trust me, i know where you are coming from where you say you might be interested. they are addictive fish, and great little characters just make sure you don't keep them with anything that will outcompete them for food. no loaches or anything like that. cause they can be quite slow to find the food.

If you want to know anything else I'm hardly an expert but if you PM me I can answer any questions you may have!

Rafini

 

[benzjamin13]

Delhezi usually max out at 14" My oldest Captive Bred Delhezi is only 8", while I have 2 Wild Caught ranging from an 8" (had him from about the same time as my oldest) and a 10" (had her for a couple of years now).

Ornates tend to have the reputation of being the more aggressive species and are known as one of the larger upper jaw species usually growing to am average of 18"

Senegals are great bichirs as well. Same max size as Delhezi, but usually smaller. Especially the Albino variety as they tend to stay smaller maxing out at 8" Mine is at 6"after nearly 4 years.

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[spwd]

How big will the tank be that you will be getting for your new bichirs,obviously this will cut down your options on bichirs if your looking to get a relatively small tank,my big female Ornate is close to 21" now and as thick as my arm so it needs a big tank but if you just plan on smaller upper jaws then you can get away with a smaller tank,depends on what youre planning.

steve

 

[LaPrice]

Anywhere from a 55 to a 75, depending on money and where ill be. I cant get fish until i move out which might not be a while, but researching now wont hurt anything.

Im sure this is a silly question but im assuming no barb species, because there aggressive. What about Gouramis? I know Bichir will eat smaller fish, but some species are about 6in or so or larger. What combinations would you recommend that look good together as well?

 

[spwd]

With that size tank id keep to the smaller upper jaw species,delz,sens etc,