Can I Keep A Bichir In A 10 Gallon?

[mikey028]

Before you start scolding me, I just bought him and he's only about 2 inches long. I can't put him in the 50 because the other fish would eat him(he's about the size of a worm). He's in my 10 gallon grow out with 2 pictus cats(theyre also about 2 inches). Will this affect his growth? I just want to grow him to about 4 inches as fast as possible so I can move him to my 55 gallon. Any suggestion? thanks for any help.

 

[fishguy2727]

It is okay for now. Water changes are vital and play a MUCH bigger part in water quality (and therefore health and growth) than tank size itself.

*For future reference, just because you already bought it doesn't mean you shouldn't be scolded, if anything it is more reason to yell at you.

 

[gasmask]

Before you start scolding me, I just bought him and he's only about 2 inches long. I can't put him in the 50 because the other fish would eat him(he's about the size of a worm). He's in my 10 gallon grow out with 2 pictus cats(theyre also about 2 inches). Will this affect his growth? I just want to grow him to about 4 inches as fast as possible so I can move him to my 50 gallon. Any suggestion? thanks for any help.

Yes you should be scolded.
A little tiny bit of research could have been done before hand!

IMO 10gall is still waay too small for ANY Bichir, even as a "grow out".
What Bichir is it? There are only a few Bichirs that can be kept in a 55gall as an adult.

Just looking at the fish and their home in your sig tells me this won't be the last mistake made...

 

[mikey028]

It's a dinosaur bichir. Smallest bichir you can get from what i know and I did research it. Im getting rid of alot of my fish in the 55 gallon. Bichir is doing fine in 10 gallon, water parameters are great! (tank is cycled) He's eating alot and is healthy. Very active swimmer. Same with all my other fish, not one sick fish. Going to sell angel, and pleco. Bala shark has already been sold. I research all my fish before I buy them. Now how about you post something helpful instead of flaming? I obviously know what I'm doing, no dead fish, all tanks doing great, no fights in any tanks. All fish are compatible.

 

[hanny93]

It's a dinosaur bichir. Smallest bichir you can get from what i know and I did research it. Im getting rid of alot of my fish in the 55 gallon. Bichir is doing fine in 10 gallon, water parameters are great! (tank is cycled) He's eating alot and is healthy. Very active swimmer. Same with all my other fish, not one sick fish. Going to sell angel, and pleco. Bala shark has already been sold. I research all my fish before I buy them. Now how about you post something helpful instead of flaming? I obviously know what I'm doing, no dead fish, all tanks doing great, no fights in any tanks. All fish are compatible.

You asked for advice on whether the bichir could be kept in a 10 gallon, and when you get it, because you don't like it you accuse of flaming?

If you know what youre doing why ask?

You will get answers you dont like on here, but gasmask was trying to help you.

Also, a quick google search suggests you havent researched
'You should note that since these specimens can grow over 12" long, they should be kept in a 50+ gallon tank. There should be a gap of air in the tank allowing the bichir to gulp air, the tank can't be full of water. Bichirs are escape artists. Without a secure lid on an aquarium, the fish will eventually escape, and go quite a long distance before drying out and dying.'

And that is just from wiki..

 

[mikey028]

Also, I just started fish keeping about a year ago. Im kinda new to this, mistakes will be made, but so far none have. Im sure when you first started you made a couple mistakes, and I'm sure I will make mistakes for years to come. Im human, it happens.

Okay, he wasnt flaming, I just felt that his comment was a bit rude, especially that last line. First time owning a bichir. I need a bit of help for this one, after all, the purpose of this forum is to help people and teach people about their fish.

55 gallons is over 50 gallons, I have a secure lid, and he's only going to be in the 10 gallon for about a month or two.

 

[mikey028]

I meet all the requirements for owning this fish. Tank is over 50 gallons, I have a secure lid, will soon be understocked(selling some fish), overfiltered, weekly 50% water changes, space for air, sandy bottom. All I was asking for was advice on how long I should keep him on the 10. Geez.

 

[hanny93]

Well really, making accusations that arent true really isn't on.
He didn t seem rude to me, it doesn't look the best really with your current stocking in a 55 gallon.

And this forum is for teaching people about their fish, but you have to research before you buy fish, and you also have to listen to peoples advice when it is given, whether you like it or not.

And okay, if its going in the 55 gallon why is it in the 10 gallon now, and why are you asking if it is okay for the fish to be in the 10 gallon if it wont be in there for long?

Ask questions before you buy, otherwise you'll end up with a sad face and a broken wallet.

 

[mikey028]

If he went in the 55, he'd be bullied. I have him in the 10 where he doesn't have to compete for food, and he wont get bullied. As soon as he's too large for the 10 he's going to the 55. Im just trying to reassure myself so I know that I'm doing the right thing

 

[holidayinn]

Personally, I would have purchased a slightly larger Bichir, but now the deed is done.

I would recommend very frequent water changes and depending on the stocking, move the bichir across asap.

Bichirs are tough guys!

 

[mikey028]

He was the biggest they had. Anytime they get a large one in stock its gets sold in a day. How can you resist a bichir? Well, if he does get a larger one in stock, I can trade it in for it. But I doubt he will get any bigger ones. Even finding a small one is rare around here, so I had to jump on it.

 

[gasmask]

Hi.
Not making any accusations, your listed 55gal stocking IS irresponsible fish keeping.

Back to the Bichir.
I also stand by the fact that 10gal is too small even as a growout for a small senegal.
These are active fish that need space, even as juvis.
You COULD have done research before buying the fish you would have learned this.

I give you advice from my own experience.
I currently keep every species of Polypterus twice over. This includes P. Bichir Bichir (both Chad and Turkana CB and WC), Palmas Palmas, Teugelsi, all sp. and Platinum versions of many too.
I have managed to spawn many of the species, and have grown and sold off fry of Senegalus and Endlicheri.

I would say this gives me enough knowledge of said fish to give you REAL advice.

My growout tank is 4ft x 2ft x 2ft. this is a little overkill for very small juvi, but I would suggest at leas 2ft x 1.5ft x 1ft as minimum for a growout. That would work out at around 20gal.

So the answer to your question (IMO) is get it out of thew 10gallon now.

 

[always4lora]

I currently keep every species of Polypterus twice over. This includes P. Bichir Bichir (both Chad and Turkana CB and WC), Palmas Palmas, Teugelsi, all sp. and Platinum versions of many too.
I have managed to spawn many of the species, and have grown and sold off fry of Senegalus and Endlicheri.

Jealousy

 

[§tudz]

something nobody has mentioned...

polypterus senegalus (AKA greys Birchir, dinosuar birchir etc...) is available in two subspecies

polypterus senegalus senegalus AND polypterus senegalus meridionalis

As for it being a 'small' species, polypterus senegalus meridionalis can still attain 20" although 12" is more commonly seen.
Generally the species available is polypterus senegalus senegalus though, which can attain 14-15" again 12" is average in aquaria.

and they also come in several colour morphs too

I would upgrade the tank now, rather than later, ensure you have a tight fitting lid, with NO holes, or cover the holes. I have personally lost two different species out of a hole that I never thought would be possible is was half the width of their bodies, but they are stubborn sods at times

Hope this helps out

 

[gasmask]

something nobody has mentioned...

polypterus senegalus (AKA greys Birchir, dinosuar birchir etc...) is available in two subspecies

polypterus senegalus senegalus AND polypterus senegalus meridionalis

As for it being a 'small' species, polypterus senegalus meridionalis can still attain 20" although 12" is more commonly seen.
Generally the species available is polypterus senegalus senegalus though, which can attain 14-15" again 12" is average in aquaria.

and they also come in several colour morphs too

I would upgrade the tank now, rather than later, ensure you have a tight fitting lid, with NO holes, or cover the holes. I have personally lost two different species out of a hole that I never thought would be possible is was half the width of their bodies, but they are stubborn sods at times

Hope this helps out

This is true, though find me a picture of a live Meridionalsis and you win a prize!

There is thought that it may just be a Senegalus Senegalus but regional migration from Lake Turkana, where the Bichirs tend to grow bigger.