Want to try a Bichir,

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Dovii dude

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Jan 11, 2006
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As stated in another thread i am considering getting a Bichir for my 55 gal tank,i want something different and predatory.I will be doing some studying up on these fish but could really use some help from you guys.1st what is a good Bichir for a 55 gal tank??2nd can they be housed with large Silver Dollars??3rd what do they usually eat??4th how big do some of these guys get??What kind of ph do they need??Are they "escape artist??"I will probably have to order 1 online because the best LFS in my city never carries these guys so my species availability is really limited.I will let you guys know what species are available to me.Thanks :thumbsup:
 
1st what is a good Bichir for a 55 gal tank??
For a first bichir I'd recomend a P.senegalus they reach 10-12''
2nd can they be housed with large Silver Dollars
Yes but as always theres really no guarantee so watch for any agession
3rd what do they usually eat??
Small fish but they will take pelletized foods
4th how big do some of these guys get
depending on the species between 12-30+''
What kind of ph do they need??
they aren't fussy pH 6.5 - 8.0
Are they "escape artist??"
They can be,make sure all openings are covered
If you have a Petsmart or Petco in the area check them out they have been stocking
P.senegalus or see if your lfs wil order one for you.-Anne
 
I'm not done yet lol, If you need to order a bichir online go to the buy sell forum have a link to the seller http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=85
board name:africanman he's THE seller of polypterids.
Species and sizes
maximum known sizes often smaller in captivity
Upper Jaw Species-Upper jaw protrudes past lower jaw
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
Senegals are the most commonly available because they are now farm raised but there are other species that would be fine and more attractive they do cost more however-Anne
 
Make sure, Your tank will be covered. Bichirs sometimes jump out.

Also You have to offer them enough hideouts. That will reduce stress and aggression, which will help the silverdollars...

BG
Thomas
 
You actually could keep a couple Sengals in a 55 with out too much problem. And just check around they are pretty common. I saw little baby sengals AND ORNATES, about 2" long, at walmart. Your LFS should be able to special order them for you, just ask.
 
if you really want a nice bichir give toyin a ring a rehoboth aquatics. he's the best and will ship almost anywher, great prices, here's phone number: 281-812-1546 or go to rehobothaquatics.com to see the list and order. happy shopping, holla!
 
hey, do you guys think i could keep a bichir with a couple of p. motoro stingrays? they would both be in a 380 gallon tank. would they get along at all?
thanks
 
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