Steve_bsc Posted June 30, 2012 Report Share Posted June 30, 2012 I was at a lfs a couple of days ago and in their tank was what I was informed was an african bichir. It was in the display tank with some small south Americans. It was an absolutely stunning fish but I was told he was not for sale. Are these fish commonly around? If anyone has kept them, what are they like to keep? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the cichlid kid Posted June 30, 2012 Report Share Posted June 30, 2012 Just looked these up and they look awesome. I didn't know there was a bichir species from western africa. I have seen senegal bichirs, and saddled bichirs around the place but never this species, but then again I don't dabble in the rarer/oddball fish. I am also keen to hear if they are around the place and how or if they are different to other bichirs. Beau. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the cichlid kid Posted July 1, 2012 Report Share Posted July 1, 2012 Ha ha, shows how much I know. After more research the other two types I mentioned in my last post are also from Africa. For some reason I always thought they were south american. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dexter Posted July 1, 2012 Report Share Posted July 1, 2012 WOW! I thought they were S. America also. I would be an Ornate Bichir. One day I hope Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brengun Posted July 1, 2012 Report Share Posted July 1, 2012 Bichir are easy to keep. I have a senegal in a 4ft with just big sponge filters. She eats 3 Sera Viformo tabs a night. She was on 4 but she was getting too fat. She doesn't mind the odd cherry shrimp when she gets energetic enough to catch them but endlers seem to be fairly exempt as food. She'll even eat algae tabs so not fussy. They do require a good gap in the water surface as they take gulps of air from there. I have a big fake fern she likes to sit in the top of so she can just raise her head to take in air. She's not pH fussy either, as most of the time the tank sits up on 7.3. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rosequoll Posted July 1, 2012 Report Share Posted July 1, 2012 I love bichers. I'd love to get one, but after growing up in the US where they are (NO JOKE) $10...I just can't bring myself to spend the money on one here. Someday, maybe, but it HURTS. AUGH. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rosequoll Posted July 1, 2012 Report Share Posted July 1, 2012 For instance...enjoy: Tropical Fish for Freshwater Aquariums: Cuvier Bichir Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yodapwnsasmurf Posted July 5, 2012 Report Share Posted July 5, 2012 I love bichers. I'd love to get one, but after growing up in the US where they are (NO JOKE) $10...I just can't bring myself to spend the money on one here. Someday, maybe, but it HURTS. AUGH. Chuck one in with Tadpole, they may become best of friends! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry R Posted July 7, 2012 Report Share Posted July 7, 2012 (edited) I have 15 adult bichirs and a few fry. Here is a link to a pic of one of my P.endlicheri Board Message I have never seen any of my bichirs gulp air from the surface, I just treat them like any other fish Edited July 7, 2012 by Terry R Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rosequoll Posted July 8, 2012 Report Share Posted July 8, 2012 I have 15 adult bichirs and a few fry. Here is a link to a pic of one of my P.endlicheriBoard Message I have never seen any of my bichirs gulp air from the surface, I just treat them like any other fish Babies???? O.O;; Planning on selling any? =) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the cichlid kid Posted July 8, 2012 Report Share Posted July 8, 2012 I have never seen any of my bichirs gulp air from the surface, I just treat them like any other fish I pulled this quote from a website which gives weight to Brengun's statement. They have several interesting adaptations. The swim bladder is divided into 2 parts, of which the right hand section is considerably larger. This functions as an accessory breathing organ and means the fish can survive out of water for some time, provided it is kept moist. Like Ananbantoid species, this fish may actually drown if it is denied access to atmospheric air. Polypterus delhezi (Armoured Bichir) — Seriously Fish Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frinkie Posted July 9, 2012 Report Share Posted July 9, 2012 yeah i've kept a few different kinds and they have all gulped air, i wouldn't say they did it regularly though, but it wasn't uncommon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the cichlid kid Posted July 9, 2012 Report Share Posted July 9, 2012 What species is yours Brengun? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry R Posted July 9, 2012 Report Share Posted July 9, 2012 Sorry all are sold. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
