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it takes clown loaches like 10 years to even hit like 7 inches in an aquarium, if anyone has bigger you are lucky

Silver arowana are quite peaceful, they can be really pretty, good luck if you find a gold or red

My old golden aro now live peacefully with feeder goldfish

Last edited by trojan_man at 08-Nov-2004 22:44

I, of course, meant that I would NOT bet money on that....for some reason, the system won't let me edit my posts...most irritating.

Golden Apollo Sharks are also interesting, reach around 7-9 inches, and would be uneatable by your birchir.

I would bet money on that....Luciosoma spilopleura are fairly laterally compressed...not a good mix with any bichir, which can swallow bigger food than you might imagine.

There are lots of options for you available.
As mentioned Before: Rainbowfish are a great idea. There are many many types of Rainbows, some simple and plain (like my Barred Rainbows), some extravagantly beautiful like Threadins (though too small for keeping with Birchirs), to the flamboyant Irian Red Rainbow(also called by a couple other names), and the large gorgeous Turqouise Rainbow (cant recall scientific name but looks like Irian Red only Blue).
Rainbows are hardy, tough, and can withstand the occassional nip and tussle with larger, more aggressive fish.
Congo Tetras might work, but try to get larger ones if possible when you first get them.
Bala Sharks are also an option as mentioned before. I think no more than a pair in a 75g though, but if you got a 90g or larger tank, Balas could be kept in a trio.
Golden Apollo Sharks are also interesting, reach around 7-9 inches, and would be uneatable by your birchir.
Larger Gouramis like Pearls/ Gold/ Opaline /Blues could also be kept. Again make sure they are larger when purchased, and dont mix more than one of the Gold Blue Opaline Variety together unless you get a male and a female.
You could also try Red Tail Black Shark, Rainbow Shark, False Siamese Algae Eater as well.
Angelfish might also be a good option for you. I think when large they would be fine with a Senegal.
Good luck! Let us know what you end up picking!


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And, I think senegals get longer in the wild than they do in the aquarium.

Theuy do, just not 16"....more like 12"-13" at the outside, based on collection data.

What's a livingstoni (ack, newbie question!)? I like the look of severums, they're kind of like discus on a budget I'm not too sure on balas... I like really exotic and unusual fish best. And, I think senegals get longer in the wild than they do in the aquarium. In the aquarium, I havent heard of them being over 10 inches. This is my first bichir, and I havent seen one since (the LFS sold him at $15 as a rope eel!!), but I've done some reading, so...

how about a livingstoni

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''All the clown fish and yellow tangs in the world cant save you now!''

bala shark goes very well with bichirs in my 75 gallon, i don't like cichlids in a community tank with other species as i notice they will eat up all the food i drop into the tank(tend to get aggresive too), without giving my bichirs a chance to even look at the food

But i do love a cichlids tank of their own, they are so many kind and colourfull cichlids available in the market.

I was referring to both African cichlids and Senegal bichirs....trust me, I have known about SA and CA cichlids for over 30 years now.

Polypterus senegalus ssp. do NOT get to 16". 13" maximum, and 10"-11" most commonly...trust me, I have 15 adults (some quite old)and have been breeding them for a while.

"Both are African and both occupy very similar biotopes with similar pH levels. I keep almost all my bichirs with African cichlids. "

Not all cichlids are africans.
Toirtis, you really dont have to make three posts for three quotes, you can just put them all in one post.

Senegal Bichirs typically get 12"-16". They usually require a 75 gallon tank also. I can see a congo tetra get harassed by a bichir.

I think you would need to get at least a 75 gallon tank. I'd go for severums, uarus, oscars, or other large fish. Dont get anything aggressive which might bother the bichir. Full grown gouramis as suggested may work. Red hooks and blood parrots will also work.

I'm thinking severums too...they're not too agressive, cool looking, I don't think they get overly large...

Personally, I'd go with severums or angels.

ok sorry every one


that really was a stupid post

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''All the clown fish and yellow tangs in the world cant save you now!''

If you possibly can, go with the 75g. Not a big difference in space: a 55g is 48 x 13 x 20 and the 75g is 48 x 18 x 20

Pearl gouramis are nice and would occupy the top of the tank. I like both congo tetras and rainbowfish, with the rainbows there are quite a few options.

I'm not familiar with a bichir's water requirements...since you mentioned cichlids and will have a good-sized tank I was thinking severums Or maybe blue acaras

Sounds like an interesting tank, keep us posted on what you decide.


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Last edited by Theresa_M at 05-Nov-2004 06:57

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There is water at the bottom of the ocean

My senegal bichir's getting bigger, and he'll definitely need a new tank by Christmas! Would a 55 be big enough for him, as a full grown? Also, my particulary bichir (his name is Mr. Cuddles ) is sort of shy and gets picked on sometimes. The new tank for him-- I want it to be planted, and I'd like some fish too large for him to eat, but who share similar water requirements and won't eat up the plants. I thought angelfish, but I don't really like them, then I thought pearl gouramis, but I can't have -just- that... any other thoughts?

if you go 75 you could probably have some clown loaches

For a while, but don't forget clown loaches are schooling fish, and will eventually hit 14"+ each....6 12"+ fish in a 75 would be more than cramped.

would congo tetras fit in the bichir's mouth?

Not when the congos were full-size, but if the bichirs got over-hungry, they may attempt to chew on them even then.

I love cichlids, but don't they have different pH requirements than a senegal?

Both are African and both occupy very similar biotopes with similar pH levels. I keep almost all my bichirs with African cichlids.

if you go 75 you could probably have some clown loaches

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''All the clown fish and yellow tangs in the world cant save you now!''

Congos are really pretty-- just about the only tetra that I like I'm still considering cichlids, though... Frontosas would be like, a dream, but I hear they need to be kept in groups of six or so...and giving their size, it sounds like they'd need a MASSIVE tank... pictus cats sound like a good idea, I like catfish... would congo tetras fit in the bichir's mouth? Hmmm... Thanks for all the help so far, people!