Juwel 240 Stocking Decision - Senegal Bichir Or Not?

[Install]

Hi all,
 
I've basically come to the conclusion that my stocking over my juwel 240 revolves around stacking up the chance to own a senegal bichir, or, as it says, to not. Basically if I don't, I can create a collage/festoon of many smaller/medium sized peaceful fish. With a bichir my tankmates are limited by its mouth basically, and I can get a community going with some of the 'larger' cyprinids and such, however it wouldn't have as many types/types of colours as the former tank I suppose.
 
There's no answer to this thread, it's up to me ofc, but I'd love some opinion! For example, if the bichir will hide all the time and never be seen, giving up so much for it might simply not be worth the bother. Or whatever is the actual case.
 
Thanks

 

[Ninjouzata]

Senegals from what I've read are one of the more active bichirs so you'd likely see him a bit.
What are the dimensions of your tank and what is the substrate? I'd prefer to see them in something bigger but this could work for a while.
 
I gave up on schooling fish for one of my tanks since it will eventually have bichirs and some of the larger fish that would work would either spook my leopard bushfish or eat plants.
 
You're right it's really all up to you. As you can see from above I preferred bichirs over the other choices though

 

[Install]

Senegals from what I've read are one of the more active bichirs so you'd likely see him a bit.
What are the dimensions of your tank and what is the substrate? I'd prefer to see them in something bigger but this could work for a while.
 
I gave up on schooling fish for one of my tanks since it will eventually have bichirs and some of the larger fish that would work would either spook my leopard bushfish or eat plants.
 
You're right it's really all up to you. As you can see from above I preferred bichirs over the other choices though

 
True, I was using that as an example though - if there was some crippling disadvantage to keeping one then I wouldn't! I believe a 240 is a 4ft by 16inch by 16-18 inch tank. If it won't suit the bichir for life I can't get one, since I can't say if I'm going to get a bigger tank or not in the next year or so!
 
And it seems to me that I have a choice between a very mixed community, and a 'community' involving the bichir, perhaps some form of larger tetra and 4 or so other, larger fish.

 

[Ninjouzata]

I think it might be best to pass on the bichir in this case. Plus they prefer buddies.

 

[Install]

I think it might be best to pass on the bichir in this case. Plus they prefer buddies.

 
That's settled then. Though I did think my tank was in the right size area. Ah well!

 

[Ninjouzata]

It -might- be, seeing as most of the CB ones don't get passed 12" that I know of..but just to be on the safe side I figure best not unless you plan on upgrading in the future. I personally would not put one in anything less than a 75g.
 
What draws you to them if I may ask? Maybe there is a feature we can find in a smaller fish that would work

 

[Install]

The fact they're quite active, and snake like. Dwarf snakeheads are an obvious alternative but they lead to the same issue as in the OP anyway, just replace bichir with dwarf snakehead!

 

[Ninjouzata]

Ahh. Snakeheads are so neat..unfortunately they're illegal here. >< Have you looked at kuhli loaches?
They don't look as..dinosaur/monster as the bichirs but they move in a snake or eel-like manner and when comfortable can be quite active. HERE is a vid of mine.

 

[Install]

I thought they were pretty renowned for being one of those groups of fish which just disappear into the tank and never come out. xD It's something to keep in mind though.

 

[Ninjouzata]

Well as you can see in the vid they weren't doing much hiding I suppose it depends. They should be kept in higher numbers and provided lots of hiding places.
Best to not have any fish that may pick at them too. I've been seeing mine less lately and I think that is because I got an angelfish. I hope you can find something you like

 

[Install]

Hrm yeah, true. I know I'll get them for sure if I decide to go for the first option - the small community. I'm still unsure though, it's a question of having many different, smaller varieties against having a few (still a variety) of the larger ones.

 

[Ninjouzata]

I imagine this is how MTS comes about