Bichir “Peaceful” Tankmates

[rayoddballfish]

Hey everyone (I know this is my third thread posted today; I have a lot of questions lol), but can you guys suggest tankmates that would be peaceful with my lapradei bichir. I have a 75 gallon and would like colorful and active fish since my bichir hides 70 percent of the time. I also have live plants so it should be compatible as well! Thanks again! Any suggestion is appreciated!!

 

[dpete88]

Red head geos, maybe some clouded archers for the top of the tank, flagtail prochilodus, datnoids, silver dollars

 

[dr exum]

Congo river stuff, Congo tetras, african knife, african leaf fish, maybe small syno or other cat to work the bottom....

I’ve became Conscious of trying to keep fish from the same continent/region together when possible.

 

[rayoddballfish]

Congo river stuff, Congo tetras, african knife, african leaf fish, maybe small syno or other cat to work the bottom....

I’ve became Conscious of trying to keep fish from the same continent/region together when possible.

My bichir is a lower jaw that is 12inches long. Wouldn't some of those species be eaten?

 

[Zanzag]

Snakeskin gourami?

 

[kno4te]

My bichir is a lower jaw that is 12inches long. Wouldn't some of those species be eaten?

It could and would. You’d need to keep larger fish that’s about double the width of the mouth. That means getting adult sized tankamtes with lower jaw polys for safety. So it’d be a large bgk, large bush knife etc. Would pass on the Congo tetras.

 

[dr exum]

My bichir is a lower jaw that is 12inches long. Wouldn't some of those species be eaten?

Good point, mine are 4” and was thinking of tank mates for mine... Syno prolly a snack... along with the tetras..

African knife I believe are decent size.. 11” or there abouts

The leaf fish 6”-8”

 

[beau1990]

You'll also have to take tank size into account

 

[twentyleagues]

You'll also have to take tank size into account

That was my thought too.

 

[rayoddballfish]

I am considering severums or datnoids. Do you think they would act aggressive towards the bichir and if they can be kept together? Also can silver datnoids live their entire lives in freshwater, I don’t want to shorten a brackish water fish by keeping them in 100% fresh.