Big(ish) CA center piece for bichir tank

Deadeye

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My Dempsey is good with my bichir. So is my severum (but that’s not a CA).
 

Deadeye

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My wife wants to do a jack Dempsey. I don't really wanna do another blue fish, not for a while anyway
Understandable - they do come in a pink morph but I’m not sure about availability or health.
What are the usual water params of the tank?
 

Gourami Swami

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What size is the tank?
I have found CA cichlids usually don't have an issue with bichirs as long as both are large enough that they can't try to eat each other.
I have kept large bichirs in the past with everything from oscars to various amphilophus, vieja, etc., and not had a problem, in a large enough tank.
 
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REDTAILPUPPIES

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I'm assuming ca is central America, so... maybe live-bearers? pike top minnows, larger mollies, or maybe a HYUCKING MASSIVE SCHOOL OF SWORDTAILS
 

Deadeye

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Ph is 7.2 where we just moved nitrates hover between 10-20ppm 6ft 180
Most cichlid options would be good then. With the exception of the fish that need extremes (mainly mbuna or SAs that live in highly acidic water), you have a lot to choose from. An amph is definitely good if you want a fish with a lot of personality.
 
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