Turtles and Birchir compatability

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paintballborg

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Feb 13, 2007
20
1
0
Oliver Springs, TN
Anywho, I'm new to the site and I've got a question. I've got a RES (I know, but it was a gift to my son from his uncle so I kept it) that's about 5". I saw a dinosaur birchir at the aquarium shop and have become absolutely facinated. I never just buy fish without researching first and I saw a few articles and videos on the birchir (how I found this site) and I've noticed that they swim a little slow. Would a small birchir (4") be safe from my turtle in a 55gal aquarium with lots of cover? The turtle has never shown any interest in any of my other fish so I want to make sure before I spend a little money.

Thanks in advance!
 
Welcome to MFK!!!

Mixing turtles with fish is never a good idea. Especially RES. My RES' are all active fish hunters and will bypass their favorite foods to hunt fish.
 
I wouldnt recommend it like Phil said. If you do it provide PLENTY of hiding spots for the bichr and be prepared to have one eaten one day.
 
Thanks for the reply! I've also been told the same from every pet dealer that I've ever spoken to! The funny thing is, the trutle has been in the tank with about 20 fish for about a year and it's never even shown interest in the fish. As a matter of fact, I have about 15 barbs that will routinely pick off the dead skin that the turtle sheds, even from his neck and face! The turtle just sits there and takes it. I'm beginning to wonder if he's just lazy. Anyway, the RES is getting a little big and I'll eventually move him but I think I'll try it out. I really appreciate the response though and I'll keep everyone updated.
 
Barbs are small, quick, and always on the move. A resting bichir will prove to be too much to ignore by the turtle. If you search the site, you'll find loads of posts describing the heavy scarring and deaths of fish in turtle/fish setups.
 
turtles and fish... kinda like baseball, you can do allright for a while, but you're bound to strike out sooner or later.
 
Good idea. Make sure you get a large enough tank for another bichir because after you buy the first one, im pretty sure youll be back for more.
I bought a senegal, now i want more!. they are very cool fish and you wont be dissappointed.
 
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