Finding compatible bichir tank mates is all about managing size and potential for aggression. The Cuvier Bichir does best in a large "oddball" aquarium with other large, passive fish. They can breathe air using a lung-like modification to their swim bladder and can travel on land for short periods of time using their strong pelvic fins. Bichirs, or rope fish, are generally peaceful but are also very effective nocturnal predators. Choose larger, passive tank mates for these fish and fish of at least the same size when housing two or more of the same species. This fish can be a fierce tank mate, however, it is not territorial, and will not bother a fish it can not eat. Bichirs aren't aggressive fish, they are just VERY greedy eaters, and live fish is the main part of their natural diet. Frog Althought Iused to have a female ornate bichir that won't let any fish go in her cave, but that's is just protecting her territory. 5. So they will not bother your Oscar Fish during the day. Nowadays, there are 14 modern genus of the fish known and spread over tropical Africa. Bichirs are not that aggressive, but they might eat smaller fish. Besides, Bichirs are also nocturnal fish which basically means that they usually stay active during the night and feed during the night. The polypterus is a great pet fish; I say pet, because he really does bond with his owner. Apart from the looks, you will find uniqueness in its nature too as it can walk. Bichirs are actually aggressive to other bichirs sometimes but not to other fish. Its gaurenteed that most of your fish can easily be eaten by a bichir. Lori says: March 4, 2019 at 8:42 am. This fish can be a fierce tank mate, however, it is not territorial, and will not bother a fish it can not eat. Aggressiveness: Semi-Aggressive. Common Name: Ornate Bichir. Aquarists know it as a reedfish or ropefish. Suitable species include Siamese Tigerfish, Knifefish and large Barbs. Actually their pectoral fins move around which can help them walk. User account menu. When provided with plenty of open swimming areas, rocks and crevices, the Cuvier Bichir is not usually aggressive toward tank mates. Quick Care Facts • Care Level: Moderate • Temperament: Semi-aggressive • Maximum Size: 24" • Minimum Tank Size: 90 gallons • Water Conditions: 75-84° F, KH 1-12, pH 6.5-7.5 • Diet: Carnivore • Origin: Central Africa • Family: Polypteridae • Species: Bichirs • Aquarium Type: Large-Bottom-Dweller Behavior: Bottom-feeders; moderately aggressive, but relatively peaceful with larger tankmates; nocturnal predator; territorial and aggressive towards other Bichirs of the same species; may escape from aquarium, lid highly recommended. They might fight a little over the food when you feed them, but they will generally tolerate each other very well. Like most cichlids, they are also aggressive. Captive Bred or Wild: Captive Bred I later took out her cave and she is now peaceful. will they be aggressive towards eachother or are they peaceful towards eachother? was wondering if bichirs (senegal bichirs) can be kept together. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Log in sign up. James Caparas Temperature: 70-82°. The canonical blobfish image takes the form of awe-inspiring and terrifying mix of some strange and beautiful nasty blends of western aesthetics (though rather popular in Japan) with shiny flesh and an impossibly human-like appearance, reminiscent of the memories of the … Specifically, bichirs have a number of small dorsal fins, armor-like scales, and a primitive lung system which allows them to take breaths above water. Are bichirs aggressive? I place pbb on my list to be the most aggressive second is the ornate. 5. That being said, I’m not a fan of species only tanks personally. Bichirs are predatory fish that are known to be mildly aggressive towards smaller fish. Bichirs. While they are not generally considered an aggressive fish, Bichirs are predatory by nature and will consume any small tankmate that can fit into their mouth. Thankfully, bichirs aren't very aggressive towards eachother, due to their relatively passive disposition; there are however, some exceptions. As Mr Pierce stated, they need tank-mates that will neither pick on the relatively peaceful bichirs, nor be eaten by them. If you want to add a bit of mystery to your fish tanks, the exotic Dinosaur Bichir is a perfect choice. Close. Remarks: Bichirs are ambush predators and will eat anything that can fit in their mouths.Tankmates should be larger and preferably taller-bodied. Dinosaur bichirs are one of the more peaceful species from its genus, but that isn’t to say that they are not aggressive fish; remember, bichirs are large carnivores and will eat any small fish they come across. A place to discuss and share anything and everything polypterid related Snakeheads are generally far more aggressive than bichirs and have teeth set into the front of the mouth which can do a lot of damage, on the other hand bichirs have armour like scales which are tough to damage and have very powerful jaws for crushing prey so could inflict a lot of damage on a soft bodied snakhead. I have had my bashire since he was very small and he’s been housed with smaller fish the entire time with no problems. Bichirs are primitive ray-finned fishes collected from Africa. Bichirs are not sensitive to changes in water parameters but it is best to keep your water always in check to lessen the stress on the fish. Max Size: 18". They are also moderately aggressive fish so they can hold their own against Oscar Fish. By Martin Manalang (PBB) Fish from the genus Polypterus, often called ‘Bichirs’, are also commonly known as ‘Dragon Fins’ due to its This species is semi-aggressive in the fact that they will swallow any fish or invertebrate that they can fit into their mouth. However, these dinosaurs of the fish world will happily share a tank with larger fish. They snap each other in pursuit of territory and hunt for food. Are most bichirs imported? The bichir/ray combination is successful if the fishes involved are of similar size. Bichirs are natural carnivores, so they can exhibit aggressive tendencies. Most bichirs grow to be about 10 – 20 inches long. Ornate Bichirs are aggressive towards their own kind. Finally, it is better off for hobbyists to keep a lone fish per tank. They have no teeth and have a lizard like head with two extra elongated noses which enable them to smell food effectively when hunting since they have poor eyesight. pH: 6.5-8.5. Polypteridae) is a family of freshwater ray-finned fishes, the only one in the order Polypteriformes and subclass Cladistia. In fact, due to its modified fins and slow speed, care must be taken that the bichir is not harassed by more aggressive fish. They should never be trusted in a tank where they can easily eat their tank mates. r/Bichirs: A place to discuss and share anything and everything polypterid related. Bichirs are semi-aggressive fish and because of their predatory nature, they eat small fish in an aquarium and in nature. Always keep in mind the saying, ‘If it fits in the mouth, it’s food.’ Likewise, avoid aggressive tankmates. Bichirs are nocturnal so a lot of their activity will occur at night. In fact, due to its modified fins and slow speed, care must be taken that the bichir is not harassed by more aggressive fish. At the time of walking, they look much like the reptiles. I’m sure you’ve already resolved this issue since this was in September but I wanted to give you my input. What may happen when one of the parrot cichlids disturbs a sleeping rope fish is more or less unpredictable, but disaster is a distinct possibility. Scientific Name: Polypterus ornatipinnis. While bichirs are carnivorous, they are not particularly aggressive, making them a somewhat popular choice among aquarium hobbyists. Region of Origin: West Africa. Tank is 75 gallons and i already have one senegal. The bichirs are a very unique species, as anyone who has seen one will attest. can i add a few more? Bichirs can be aggressive, be it of the same size, another type of fish, or even from the same species. Bichirs don’t like being harassed. Reply. Get to know the monster profile and explore what's behind the dragon-like appearance of Bichirs. The bichir must be large enough not to fit in the ray's mouth, but small enough that it won't attempt to chew on the ray's disc. The largest is the saddled bichir, which can reach a fish size of about 30 inches. 2.8k members in the Bichirs community. Ornate Bichirs are semi aggressive but will swallow any fish they they can fit into their rather large mouths. However bichir normally will fight or nip other bichirs as an act of aggression. Press J to jump to the feed. Also, what size tank do you have? This will increase even more at feeding time (assuming you feed them at night). Posted by 5 months ago. They are opportunistic feeders and should be housed with large, peaceful fish. 37 votes, 21 comments. Bichirs are fishes which have an elongated form and 9 to 11 dorsal like fins on its back near the tail, they have small black eyes which turn ruby like when exposed to light. Another fish E. calabaricus also belongs to this class. In the aquarium, Bichirs spend most of the lives living on or near to the bottom of the tank. How big do bichirs get? Size: 1 to 2.5 feet Bichirs are semi-aggressive and are known to attack and even eat small fish. Senegalus, like other members of the species Polypterus, are generally a non-aggressive bottom-dwelling predator. Bichir Tank Mates. Bichirs are predators and shouldn't have been put in a 30gal community tank. They’re not as hostile as some other species, but they may unknowingly target small tank mates thinking they are food. As we’ve said, these fish can be aggressive and are naturally carnivores. Watch out for tankmates. Mostly lower jaw species, especially males are known to be more territorial. The bichirs are a very unique species, as anyone who has seen one will attest. They may show agression toward other bichirs over territory, and will prey on anything that will fit in a Senegalus' mouth but are otherwise a docile addition to a tank with similar-sized fish. Bichirs (lat. You can also keep several Bichirs together. ornates, pbb and laps are known to be the most aggressive. • Care Level: Easy • Temperament: Semi-aggressive • Maximum Size: 18" • Minimum Tank Size: 90 gallons • Water Conditions: 75-82° F, KH 5-12, pH 6.5-7.5 • Diet: Carnivore • Origin: Africa • Family: Polypteridae • Species: Bichirs • Aquarium Type: Large-Bottom-Dweller Hardness: Moderate. You can keep your Bichir with non-aggressive species as long as they are too large for the Bichir to swallow. Hopefully this will be a lesson for you to research more carefully before buying fish - you have a few that will get too big or too boisterous for your tank including the bala sharks and possibly the pleco if … Bichirs can make great aquarium inhabitants, provided their husbandry needs such as diet, water quality and tank space are met. About managing size and potential for aggression will occur at night ) a somewhat popular choice among aquarium.... 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