What Bichir for a 160g/600L tank.

[Liaker]

Hello! Liaker here,
I'm setting up a large paludarium project this this spring. The goal is to have a lovely view, but also hold a or some bischirs, while a semi aquatic lizard will hold the land.
I am able to set up a 160+ gallon (600+Litre) worth of water in it. (Haven't built it yet so cannot show any pictures of as of yet).

I am curious to what bichir would fit the best in such a tank, and which wouldn't. I would like to avoid dinosaur bichir (Polypterus senegalus) if possible. I can add another 50 gallon (180 Litre) if need to be, in the construction.
For those more curious, I would be having a water depth around 16" - 24" (40 - 60 cm) depending on how the construction will fare and practical availability.

Suggestions, ideas and whatever comes to your mind is welcome!

 

[kno4te]

How big will this semi aquatic lizard be o eventually get? Will it look at polypterus as food? Are u planning to cover the area for potential jumping polys? Just to get want an idea.....to help narrow down any polys.

 

[tlindsey]

Welcome aboard
If you add the 50 gallons to the build with a width of 24 inches or more you could stock with all upper jaw and most lower jaw species imo. The depth is not that crucial for Polypterus the lower the better for them to go up and take in air. Just make sure top or lid is secure. Also leave a 2 inch gap at the surface.

 

[Liaker]

How big will this semi aquatic lizard be o eventually get? Will it look at polypterus as food? Are u planning to cover the area for potential jumping polys? Just to get want an idea.....to help narrow down any polys.

I'll be lookin' into Caiman Lizard (Dracaena guianensis). I looked up several different tank mates and I thought this would be quite neat, as they both will enjoy snails and various small mouth sized deliciousnesses. So we're looking at a 4 feet (100+ cm) lizard.
I'll be sure to make the enclosure escape free, both for fish and for lizard.

 

[Liaker]

Welcome aboard
If you add the 50 gallons to the build with a width of 24 inches or more you could stock with all upper jaw and most lower jaw species imo. The depth is not that crucial for Polypterus the lower the better for them to go up and take in air. Just make sure top or lid is secure. Also leave a 2 inch gap at the surface.

Thanks, and there will be plenty of space to take a breather for the fish. Since it'll be a paludarium, I'm keeping the water surface open. Part from floating plants and such.

 

[twentyleagues]

Foot print of the enclosure is going to be the important info. If its 5'×2' most polys if it's 7'×1' none? Also arent you worried about the lizard eating the polys? I thought they were snail and fish eaters?

 

[Liaker]

Foot print of the enclosure is going to be the important info. If its 5'×2' most polys if it's 7'×1' none? Also arent you worried about the lizard eating the polys? I thought they were snail and fish eaters?

Currently I'm looking at a 6,5'x2', with a possible additional "corner/turn". That will add a 2'x4'. Think of it as an L.
Of course, as the project is still in its "shape-forming" stage, I have other ideas that might fit.
And I researched the Lizard, it is not known for "preying" on anything that won't fit in its mouth. Aiming primarly for snails, with small animals such as mice, crabs and mussels as a side dish. It even has an appetite for various fruits and berries. I thought this would work perfectly with a predator fish that also likes snails.
Also it is one of the reasons why I wouldn't want the smaller bichirs, I would like one with a bit of size so that the Lizard, in case of being feisty, won't feel too keen on taking a taste of the fish.
I've also taken into consideration that either the bichir or the lizard I'll be handling in the future could have temperaments. So I am prepared to make a separate tank for the bichir should either show signs of being aggressive to the point of none-cohabitation.

 

[Carter020108]

If you have a big budget exotic fish shop has a platinum bichir for 700 or I would say ornate or dehlzi

 

[Liaker]

If you have a big budget exotic fish shop has a platinum bichir for 700 or I would say ornate or dehlzi

Thank you for the input!

 

[twentyleagues]

Thank you for the input!

Most of the lower jaw species of polys have the potential to get 24+ inches long and quite thick also. Not that those sizes are super common but potentially a possibility. That should hopefully dissuade the lizard from hunting the polys not sure on the other way though. I had a friend that would feed his sens a bullfrog every couple weeks. They would attack and tear it apart. I would stay away from most upper jaw polys as they are potentially always going to be on the menu and look to something like endlicheri. With endlis you could possibly have a 16 to 18" fish in around a year. They are pretty easy to find. Not super expensive. And over all nice pattern/coloring. They dont normally exceed 24" either but do have that posibility. Most polys grow relatively fast for the first 2 years after that it slows down alot but these fish can live 25+ years and will continue to grow most of their lives.

There is absolutely no telling from either direction how this will pan out. I am excited to see what your finish product is!
Good luck.