New Senegal Bichir Owner

DrakanShadow

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Apr 7, 2017
7
15
8
32
First hi, new to the community here. And well I just got the little guy two days ago from Petsmart after moving Koi and goldfish to a pond awhile ago and done a bit of research after wanting one of these guys for over a year but curious if small gravel for his tank is fine or if I have to change it to something else. Thanks!
 

Hendre

Bawitius
Staff member
Moderator
MFK Member
Jan 14, 2016
9,852
10,953
438
South Africa
Hi, and welcome to MFK!

I find sand much easier to maintain. I'm a new sen owner too but they are fairly messy when smaller so unless you like vacuuming gravel sand would likely be easier.

some pics would be cool :)
 

ocellatus

Aimara
MFK Member
Jan 20, 2006
845
550
130
Canada
Congrats on the new senegal :) They are active and very personable!

IMO sand is a good choice as Polypterus will sometimes ingest small pieces of gravel and have difficulty passing it. If they become impacted it can lead to serious health issues. Some specimens also like to bury themselves in the substrate and seem to appreciate the smaller grain size of sand.

O
 

DrakanShadow

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Apr 7, 2017
7
15
8
32
Hi, and welcome to MFK!

I find sand much easier to maintain. I'm a new sen owner too but they are fairly messy when smaller so unless you like vacuuming gravel sand would likely be easier.

some pics would be cool :)
Thanks, will definitely try to post some when I get home.
 
  • Like
Reactions: tlindsey

DrakanShadow

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Apr 7, 2017
7
15
8
32
Congrats on the new senegal :) They are active and very personable!

IMO sand is a good choice as Polypterus will sometimes ingest small pieces of gravel and have difficulty passing it. If they become impacted it can lead to serious health issues. Some specimens also like to bury themselves in the substrate and seem to appreciate the smaller grain size of sand.

O
Alright, will probably make the transition to sand over next week or so then.
 

thefredpit

Goliath Tigerfish
MFK Member
Jul 28, 2012
2,969
2,997
179
United States
Alright, will probably make the transition to sand over next week or so then.
You might get pool sand or black diamond sand blasting abrasive they are both under $15 for a 50lb bag here is what both look like next to each other with an ornate bichir in the middle
20170330_192148.jpg

also careful bichirs are like potato chips you can't stop at 1
 

DrakanShadow

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Apr 7, 2017
7
15
8
32
You might get pool sand or black diamond sand blasting abrasive they are both under $15 for a 50lb bag here is what both look like next to each other with an ornate bichir in the middle
View attachment 1244739

also careful bichirs are like potato chips you can't stop at 1
Yeah I feel the urge to buy a buddy already. Also mine is too ninja like, he hides most of the day and I leave little meals throughout the day and I can never catch him when he eats.
 
  • Like
Reactions: tlindsey

jaws7777

Probation Member
Probation Member
Mar 1, 2014
17,773
20,947
740
White house 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington
Yeah I feel the urge to buy a buddy already. Also mine is too ninja like, he hides most of the day and I leave little meals throughout the day and I can never catch him when he eats.
Welcome to the group. Adding a few more should help with the hiding
 
  • Like
Reactions: clm08k and tlindsey
zoomed.com
hikariusa.com
aqaimports.com
Store