Bleheri Snakehead With Bichirs.

[rixy]

hi,is it possible to keep 1 or 2 bleheri/ or another kind of snakehaed in with a 8 inch senegal,8 inch delhezi,8 inch ornate.tank is a 75 gallon.thanks in advance.ps anyone got any for sale

 

[geo7x]

i think im right in saying that snakeheads will not get on with anything that has a body shape similar to its own, and bichirs are pretty similar, so im afraid its a no if that info is right.
Having tankmates with snakeheads can be a risky process, when they fight they really do fight

 

[The-Wolf]

snakeheads should be in aspecies only tank

if you try and mix snakeheads and bichirs you will end up with
fat bichirs

 

[jayjay]

That, Wolf, or find a bunch of dead bichirs. Which I think would be more likely.

 

[The-Wolf]

I honestly can't see an 8" delhezi taking any aggression from a snakehead
but stranger things have happened

eitherway snakehead only tank is best for them

 

[rixy]

thanks guys,if not a snakehead,how about a pike.if so,what pike.the bichirs are great for the bottom,but i want something for mid/top of tank.thanks in advance mark.

 

[geo7x]

pikes/pike cichlids will fight with snakeheads like theres no tomorrow im afraid.

edit: oops, sorry, didnt realise that you put the instead of the snakehead bit.


About the bichirs, even if they dont eat the snakehead they would certainly fight, so either way theyre unsuitable.

 

[The-Wolf]

if you want a 'nice' top level fish that goes well with bichirs
you won't do much better than apollo sharks Luciosoma setigerum & Luciosoma pellegrinii
either species are sold under that name in the UK

I have 6 with some of my bichirs including an armoured and an ornate.
here is one of my apollos

 

[rixy]

in my tank then wolf,how many would you suggest to go with my senegal,delhezi and ornateare they skittish like silver sharks and pink tailed chasceusthe tank is in the hall way with 2 kids clumping up and down.

 

[The-Wolf]

not skittish at all, quite bold in fact.

you have to remember they are a predator that will attain 10"
I started with 8 and am down to 6 as they picked off the smallest of their group.
the only safe fish with these guys are deep bodied fish, like disc tetras
fast fish like filament barbs (although I suspect adult apollos will have these)
and bottom dwelling fish. I've never seen my apollos below the mid level of the tank.

one thing they do like is a current
so a good powerhead for water movement will make a good addition.

 

[rixy]

how many would you suggest and do you know where i can buy some

ps, i have a 2028 with spray bar so when thats on full pelt,it should be ideal.

 

[Dannyc]

hi i have a red snakehead in with my ornate with no problems at all,, infact they snuggle up together

 

[The-Wolf]

I don't know any shops in your area but try phoning Trimar and ask Monty if he can get some for you
http/www.trimar.co.uk/

 

[geo7x]

hi i have a red snakehead in with my ornate with no problems at all,, infact they snuggle up together

erm, the red snakehead (Channa micropeltes) grows a bit bigger than 6"

 

[andywg]

hi i have a red snakehead in with my ornate with no problems at all,, infact they snuggle up together

I would feel quite safe in saying that the red snakehead will not do so for a very long time. Before long it will either eat, or just kill the bichir. Reds get to 30" in aquaria (up to 4 feet and 20kg in the wild) and end up with very impresseive dentures.

They are regarded as one of the most aggressive fish there are, even to the point of reports of them attacking humans to defend their nest.