Bichirs With Discus

[Kerber13]

Im currently in the process of "pimping" my discus' pad and would like to know if when I'm done I'll be able to add an ornate bichir? I keep my temp at 83oF and all the other water params are compatible with each other. I just don't know if the bichir would be too aggressive for my discus. The discus are all 4 inches and the bichir would be that size too. Also I'm switching from gravel substrate to sand and will not have any live plants. Do I need to do anything special like turn the air off or keep the filters off while the sand settles? thank you very much for any info u can provide. I have been successfully keeping discus for almost 2 years and I know what I am doing.


P.S. If not an ornate bichir than any other bichir or long eel like fish that gets over a foot. For some reason they really appeal to me.

 

[ChilliPepper]

I've not kept Discus, but do have an Ornate. They are a big fish, they have immense appetites and grow quickly. What size tank do you have?

I've not heard of people keeping Discus and Bichirs together, but to be fair don't really see why not? My fish never have anything to do with my bichirs, and vice versa. 83f should be OK for both. I keep my B at 26c, but Discus need higher temps.

If you do get one, make sure you have a tight fitting lid as they are good escape artists.

However I'd recommend a Senegalus with the Discus as they are more active, so may bring the Discus out more? Saying that the Ornates are pretty active, but my Senegal just doesn't stop.

 

[Kerber13]

I've not kept Discus, but do have an Ornate. They are a big fish, they have immense appetites and grow quickly. What size tank do you have?

I've not heard of people keeping Discus and Bichirs together, but to be fair don't really see why not? My fish never have anything to do with my bichirs, and vice versa. 83f should be OK for both. I keep my B at 26c, but Discus need higher temps.

If you do get one, make sure you have a tight fitting lid as they are good escape artists.

However I'd recommend a Senegalus with the Discus as they are more active, so may bring the Discus out more? Saying that the Ornates are pretty active, but my Senegal just doesn't stop.

Yea i wrote this before i did tons of research and have narrowed it down to P. senegalus or P delhezi. Thanks for the reply. and i have a 75 gallon tank. i was getting conflicting information saying i can keep an ornate in a 75 but i used my better judgement and will try to keep senegalus or delhezi.

 

[MBOU]

Tanks too small for a good sized birchir, temperatures are too high for birchirs and birchirs are generally much better off in harder water.

Personally i'd say eels would have a better temperment once they are settled and less likely to cause problems but im not sure you are appreciateing how much space birchirs and eels need?

If the fish gets to about 50+cm, your tank needs to be at least 2ft front to back alone. Eels get twice that length (Tyre Tracks and Fires etc).

I wouldnt recomend it.