senegal minimum tank size

[Derf]

I know this question has already been asked probably a couple hundred times, but I want to know whatever about senegal bichirs. Especially the minimum tank size. I've looked ont his forum and heard answers ranging from 29 gallons to 55 gallons? So, based on your experiences, what is the minimum gallons for a senegal?

 

[X24]

29 gallon is the minimum. the prefured size imo though is 40 gallon. That will fit one senegal, palmas polli or delhezi best.

 

[benzjamin13]

Some people will say 55g, but I think a 29g is good.

 

[MrHarris]

29+

 

[Derf]

and how agressive are they? will they eat tankmates?

 

[Freeze_Dried_Bloodworm]

they eat whatever fits their mouth

 

[benzjamin13]

They're not aggressive, but they will eat anyone that's small enough to fit in their mouths. My friend had a school of 6 Congo Tetras and now he only has 3. I guess the others didn't grow as big as these guys so they became lunch. He also had a Leopard Leaf Fish with it and just recently, it became headless.

 

[pophead]

it really depends on the fish. the only time my 9" senegal had anything live in his mouth was when he thought my 3" pleco was an algae wafer, I just tapped on the glass and he let go.
He is with another 9" senegal in a 90 gallon, so the tank size may reduce aggression.

 

[Derf]

what about if you get them when they are around 5" but put them in with fish that are around the same size or slightly smaller (but will get bigger)? Would that maybe help them get used to the other fish? And what if you keep them well fed?

 

[X24]

they eat fish that'll fit in their mouth....or fish that don't fit completely when they are hungry. My 4" senegal will eat feeder fish that will barely fit in its mouth.....he always has a huge lump in him afterwards.