Which would be better, bichir or rope fish?

[Darth Scohin]

depends on your tank size as some can get huge, budget as some rare types can be expensive, and finally availability.

Dels if your tank is small (max 12"), ornati if you have a big tank for starters (max 20").

then for the rare spectrum, i recommend teugelsi, bichir bichir or congicus.

good luck.

I have to correct your info as Delhezi get to at least 14" and Ornates are the LARGEST Upper Jaw at 24"-28"

 

[Sidrock]

My dels have been the fastest growing of any of the bichirs I have kept. Over 1" every month since I got them.
Personally, I'd go for a sen for the first one, mainly due to behaviour. They are very active and curious fish. The one problem you have is that you only have a 55 and it is already stocked with fish that will outgrow it. Do you have a larger setup ready to move these guys into in the very near future?

There are two people asking questions in this thread, the OP and me.. It's the OP who is planning to keep a Bichir in a 55G and asking advice about which species to keep.

I was wondering why are the experts recommending a Senegal over a "Dwarf" bichir like Delhezi. (I think, it's clear now, Thanks to SpritoftheSoul)

My 16"+ Endli is in a 200G with an Aro, a couple of Gars and cichlids... The other bichir (1 Del, 4 Endlis, 2 Ornates) are in grow-outs and will be put in the 200G once they are large enough..

Thank you,

 

[JamesF]

Yes, and I answered both of you in my post.
I'm still not sure why you're refering to a del as a "dwarf" when it gets bigger than a sen.

 

[Kyle_91]

Well here is what i went with: a senegal bichir about 5" or a little bigger...

The pics dont do the justice... but you get the idea

 

[JamesF]

Looks good! You just need to fatten him up a bit now.

 

[Spiritofthesoul]

Welcome to the family

 

[Kyle_91]

A few hours after he got setteled in, I fed my fish and he was starting to swim around more looking for some so he's gonna get a belly on him soon