Why or What Do You Like About Keeping Bichirs?

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My first was an Albino Senegal. I thought that they look like an aquatic reptile. I was kind of reluctant to buy them at first because I knew nothing about them and thought that they would just lay around on the bottom and hide. I wasn't even sure if I was able to keep them together. And at the time, they were kind of pricey at $20-$25 each. I happen to find one for $15 so I decided to get it. I was surprised at how active they were. I later gave it to my friend (birthday) who wanted to do an African Oddball themed tank. He ended up getting another one. half it's size. And they didn't fight. Later on, the little one eventually made it's way into my tank. Later I got an Ornate which I kept in a separate tank because I still wasn't sure how well they played with each other. I eventually traded the Ornate in and the Albino died suddenly. I didn't replace them for awhile. I eventually got a Long-Fin Senegal at the SoCal Meet last year which unfortunately choked on a worm a month later. I've always like Delhezis and Endlis and I started seeing them around so I picked them up and next thing I know I now have 3 Albino Senegals, 3 Delhezis, 1 Endli, and 1 Ornate.
 
So many things I will try to keep this short. The way they cruise around the tank looking so confident and peaceful. Their ancient and dragon like appearance. Their large mouths that can swallow things you wouldn't think was possible (especially the lower jaw species). The variation of colours and patterns that the different species show off. The different personalities that they all have.
 
For me its their prehistoric look and they just don’t seem to be something you see everyday I started out whith 1 senegalus and now have 5 senegalus,1 albino ,1 lapradie , 2 delhezi , 1 retropinnis, 4 ornatipinnis , 4 Endlies, 1 weeksiie,1 polli, and 1 buettikoferi and I still want more.
 
For years I have only been hooked an Oscars. When I went to local fish store looking for more Oscars I stumbled upon a ornate bichir and fell in love with them. I was hypnotized
 
For years I have only been hooked an Oscars. When I went to local fish store looking for more Oscars I stumbled upon a ornate bichir and fell in love with them. I was hypnotized by their beauty and personality
 
i love them cause they stack on each other im still waiting to see how many and how high t hey could stack on one another
 
Hello,

so much reasons ...

First i love their character. They are so gentle and the next moment they are able to explode. Every specimen is unique in "mind" - i would say: Personality!
Their praehistoric ambiente makes me able to keep a bit Jurassic Park at home. Evolution is coming so obvious when watching those bichirs.
And i think it's important for me that bichirs are not as sensible as the most other aquatic fish to keep. It's not the common keeping duty i'm shy of: I like more to watch than to clean! Bichirs are "clean" fish - not tending to make such dirt as catfish or even cichlids. Cool circumstances to watch fish - and for me: To photograph! This way i'm getting a good fundament for clear and crispy pics ...

Yes, they are my all-time favourites!

Greetings
Uwe
 
I inititally was on the fence about the senegal I have. At the time I was REALLY focused on my plants, so I was in the LFS vitually everyday. I also enjoyed flirting shamelessly with one of the clerks..... Anyway, the way the sen looked and moved was really captivating. Plus, she was so simple-looking, yet still elegant. She was calm, yet still a violent predator. Lots of spunk and a walking (excuse me, SWIMMING) contradiction.

I guess I really fell in love when the clerk accidentally let the Senegal jump out of the net. SMACK! She landed on the floor of the LFS. I took her home anyway... and she lived. If there is one thing I like it's a hardy fish. My sen is a trooper!

She is also one of the best features of my tank. If people aren't impressed my the plants, they are by my senegal. It is especially fun to feed her while guests are watching. They always get a kick out of it. Good entertainment.
 
I only have them because everyone else does.
 
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