Keeoing Polypterus

Hi there. I am thinking about keeping a Bichir, and I've been trying to do some research, but have received some mixed messages. I would like to know from a source I trust (ie you guys) what it is like and what sort of commitment I will be making, as well as requirements and behavior (are they interesting fish, worth keeping?) and what would make suitable tank mates.

Thanks, Gabriel

Right, that should be keeping...

 

Polypterus are interesting fish to keep, but you have to bear in mind that they do grow large, they are predators, and that they do have certain special requirements, although none of these requirements make them hard to keep.

As a general rule, a 5 foot tank should be used for Polypterus. Not only because they grow large, but the water volume will also help out with the waste produced when they eat certain foods (I'll discuss later on). These guys aren't particularly active, but they do use the space, especially when feeding. The tank shouldn't be too tall, as all Polypterus are obligatory air breathers - that is, they are required to swim to the surface periodically to obtain atmospheric oxygen. 60cm should be the maximum depth for grown Polypterus IMO.

As far as equipment goes, just make sure that the water is well filtered and you're set. They aren't particularly fussy about water parameters, lighting or current, so long as extremes are avoided. Also make sure that there are no gaps in the filters or hood, as Polypterus like to explore - this may end with you having a fish stuck in a filter or on the floor.

Be careful in choosing tankmates for these fish. Larger fish, as a rule, are safe to keep with them. These predators can pose a threat to most small fish species, as well as eggs and young fry. Very aggressive species (like Malawi and large Central American cichlids, as well as black sharks) should be avoided.

Polypterus need a place to hide if they feel threatened. They aren't a nervous kind of fish, and they'll most often be seen cruising around in plain sight, but it does help them have some sense of security. Plants may be uprooted when they search for food.

As far as food goes, most Polypterus should accept frozen bloodworm from the day you buy them from the shop. If you're lucky, they may have already been accustomed to eating dry pellets or flakes, otherwise they'll quickly learn to eat these products once they've settled in your tank. It is very, very important to include meaty (protein based) foods in their diet, at least once or twice a week. Such foods include sardine, shrimp, chicken liver, mealworms, beefheart etc. This will satisfy their protein requirements and ensure a good and healthy growth rate.
Remember that such foods can easily pollute water - doing regular water changes, have efficient filtration and a good sized tank (in terms of water volume) should aid with this problem.

I think that covers it from my experience, and I haven't had any problems with my fish so far

Here are my two big boys:


Polypterus senegalus and P. endlicheri. The Senegal is much more common and much cheaper, and I've found them to be much more active and interesting.

Good luck with these guys, they certainly get the guests talking
SA

 

Thanks for your time, I really appreciate it. What do you think about a 120cm, 200l about 40cm deep, with an under gravel filter as well as a box filter, a senegal ploypterus, 4 firemouths, a sandy bottom and lots of rock for hiding places..?

 

Tropica boston had a nice selection of afrcans today

 

A 120cm might just do it for a Senegal. However, be prepared to move the fish if it gets too large, which can happen. As for the Firemouths, I can't say, as I've never kept the two species together before, but from what I know both should be relatively peaceful to each other, provided that the one species isn't significantly larger than the other.

Also, try to add an internal power filter to the tank - it'll help when you start giving your fish the 'messier' foods.

Cheers
SA

 

Thanks gilbert. ok, thanks for the advice salmonafrica, my fire mouths are realatively peaceful. i meant an internal when i said box filter cheers, thanks guys. ps, i'm thinking of getting an albino, they look so cool

 

Gaawie, have you purchased your bichir yet?
I'd love to see pictures.

Also, I was wondering if anyone knew at what age you can sex a polypterus endlicheri?
I think mine might be a female, having a smaller and thinner anal fin compared to pictures I've seen. Although, it's only just lost it's external gills, so I'm thinking it might be a little early to tell.

 

Hey G
I had one and he was awesome.
They are always swimming around, eat well and are a good eye catcher when you have visitors.

I never had a day of trouble with him, but i must also say he was in a tank with other predators and each one knew their place.

 

There has been a few debates about how to tell sexes in bichirs, although the most 'sworn-by' method is to just take a look at the anal fin - males have a thicker, sometimes cup-like anal fin, while females have a thinner fin there.

Apparently this method is reliable from a young age...

 

hmm ,i like this fish ,its like a betta they are similar as they both dont act like your normal fish ,they tend to be more snake like

 

Are these fish quite active and readily avaliable?

 

readily available for sure ,and moderately priced

 

Some are. The Senegal bichir (Polypterus senegalus, usually just sold as 'polypterus' at the stores) is very,very common. The smaller ones go for anything between R40 and R80, big ones cost a bit more obviously. Senegals are probably the more active of the bichirs - both of mine spend the majority of their time at the top of the tank, feeding from there.

Others cost more though... P. ornatipinnis and P. endlicheri tend to cost more than R200, even for small specimens, and because of the high prices (and therefore low demand), they don't tend to show up that often at stores. They are avaliable, though.

If you want to go for something equally unique, try out the Rope Fish, Erpetoichthys calabaricus. They're usually quite common and because they're related to bichirs they look quite similar too. They've got very long bodies and aren't nearly as predatory as the bichir cousins, although they'll still quite happily snack on small fish like neons and guppies if they get the chance. Otherwise they're peaceful

 

Yup, I got a senegal Bichir. I love the dude, although he took out one of my Firemouths...

I will post some pics for you.

 

Thanks SalmonAfrica. What are some of the other methods you have heard of?

Wimpie, as far as I've read Bichirs are very active when young, but are less active the older they get, with some getting quite lazy. My young one swims around the tank all day and night. I find feeding small bits throughout the day (breakfast, lunch and supper) leads to better activity.

I managed to get my endlicheri for R80 or R90 at Sam's Aquarium a while back. It was only about 8cm. I saw Sam stock them a second time after that, but not since then.

I'm glad you like him Gaawie. Pity about the Firemouth.
I find their appetites a bonus actually (then again, my Bichir currently lives alone, so I don't have tank mates to worry about.). Watching my Bichir hunting is one of my favourite parts of fish keeping.

 

timothy smith ??

 

Timothy Smith is Salmon Africa's real name!

 

Lol. I've considered having my username changed to my real name. I'm over my internet alias that I made up some 5 odd years ago...

 

Pardon me for digging up old cows, but I haven't seen P.Delhezi in any of these comments... Do they share the same basic size/food/parameter requirements? I've seen a few at the LPS and I am interested in getting one...

 

Delhezi grows to about 40cm I think. And yes they share the same food requirements. I'm so keen on getting into Bichirs again. I think if my plans for Uaru fail then I'm going back to Bichirs.