Information on Senegal Bichir (tank size, plant life etc.?

[negative_tea]

I currently have a 20 gallon tank that is mostly dedicated to underwater plants accompanied by a few danios. A friend gave me this tank a while back and I was very excited start a new hobby until I realized that the fish I am most interested in (the Dinosaur eel or Senegal Bichir) would not be suited for this tank size even when young.

I know that at some point I will need to switch tanks for this creature but could a young Dinosaur eel do well in a 40-50 gallon tank or will I immediately need one much larger? Also, as I already stated I enjoy an aquarium that is thickly planted with plants. Will this hinder the happiness of my future bichir in anyway? How about the tank lid? These guys are apparently notorious for escaping out of their tanks, is there a specific brand/model of lid or specific method of tank preparation that you would suggest to guard against the possibility of escape?

Any other suggestion on how to raise this lovely species would be very helpful!

Thank you!

PS - I apologize for the onslaught of questions. It's just that I would .like to set up the tank before I get the Dinosaur eel and would hate to put so much time into creating it's living space just to overlook some small detail.

 

[RedDwarf]

A senegal bichir/dinosaur eel will be fine in your 20 gal for at least 6 months but that all depends on what you plan on keeping with our bichir. If it's alone it might last a bit longer since your looking at around 12" for an adult senegal bichir and depending on what size specimen you start out with will determine when you would need to upgrade.

As long as you have a tight fitting lid on your tank, the bichir should be relatively safe in regards to escaping but you must make sure you have all the potential escape routes covered.

It's suggested that you use sand as a substrate because of the potential ingestion of said sand by your bichir (sand being much easier to pass than a rock). Just remember that it's very hard to just buy and keep one bichir and before you know it your out shopping for every single bichir under the sun.

Different bichir species will need different tank needs as well as their potential size differs.

I would recommend feeding sinking pellets and cut up tilapia. And where every you buy it from, ask what type of food they are feeding it so you can get some to hold it over until it start to feed on what you want it to eat.

One other thing, the albino bichirs are also senegals, they tend to grow slower so if you want to hold off on the tank upgrade longer, that might be your best bet.

 

[Racersk]

If it is a 20 gallon 'Long', your bichir will be better off, as these are a longer fish, they don't need the extra height of a standard 20g. I currently have my biggest seng bichir in a 50 gallon long with his girlfriend a short bodied albino, not the best long term for a normal fullgrown (10.5" currently) senegal, but in a 50 long there is some distance to swim in, and the fish will be less likely to jump out too...I am going to reorganize soon so the 50 is temporary...

As for what lid to use, it really doesn't matter as you just need A lid that fits securely and has no gapping holes. Me personally, I just keep the water level a few inches lower to prevent escape.

Since you want plants, you will need bright lights, your bichir won't like this. Make sure to provide them with a good place to hide, be it in the plants (they make trails through plants fyi) or rocks, etc, so it'll feel safe.

 

[negative_tea]

A senegal bichir/dinosaur eel will be fine in your 20 gal for at least 6 months but that all depends on what you plan on keeping with our bichir. If it's alone it might last a bit longer since your looking at around 12" for an adult senegal bichir and depending on what size specimen you start out with will determine when you would need to upgrade....
One other thing, the albino bichirs are also senegals, they tend to grow slower so if you want to hold off on the tank upgrade longer, that might be your best bet.

Wow! That's a relief! I had actually planned to keep it in a tank with mostly other fish it can eat. I was actually kind of thinking about trying to get an albino variety as well! My substrate is mostly sand with some large smooth river rocks, one great big piece of obsidian and a driftwood piece. The large river rocks are easily over an inch and a half in diameter each.

So, under the circumstances, it maybe okay to get the Bichir now?

 

[RedDwarf]

You should be okay with the bichir in your current setup. I would advise against feeding feeders unless they are quarantined for a couple weeks before feeding them to your bichir. Feeder fish can introduce pathogens into your tank which can lead to your bichir getting sick or even dying and is much more expensive than feeding tilapia fillets. If you don't mind your danios going missing then you can add your new bichir to your tank.

I don't think your river rocks are going to be a problem for your bichir.

You want to make sure you feed your fish a varied diet with a quality pellet as your staple.

I hope your tank is fully cycled and the water test out fine (no NH3 and no NO2), as long as it is then you shouldn't have a problem adding the bichir.

 

[Darth Scohin]

A 20gal long or 20gal High will only hold a juvi for 2-4 months IME please if you plan on getting a Sen start of with either a 40gal Breeder or a 55gal. IME it can be a pain to have the fish and not have anywhere to put it when it has grown out of your tank.