Senegal Birchir

[OohFeeshy]

I really would like a birchir, and this species is most practical. I've got the whole summer to find somewhere to squeeze in a 30g or so So, if I got one, what sort of tankmates are we talking about? As a side note, I don't like any tetras (bad expreiences).

 

[CFC]

Tankmates should be over 3 inches and tall bodied so they cannot be easily swallowed, also in the confines of a 30g there shouldnt be many bottom dwellers or you could get territorial disputes. Fish like large gobies (purple spotted gudgeon etc) work well.

 

[OohFeeshy]

I guessed bottomefeeders would be a no-no, I was thinking of a few more 'larger' fish (4+ inches) that move fairly fast so it looks a bit more full. Once I can actually see the floor, I'll see who I can shuffle (and it currently looks like the bettas are getting the boot onto a shelf ATM, and I might be able to squeeze a 3ft onto the desk )

 

[beblondie]

I wouln't put much more in a 30 gallon tank as the bichir reaches 10 inches easily and senegals are very active and will use up that space easily-Anne

 

[Dwarfs]

Senegal bichirs are very peaceful fish, and as CFC said, purple spotted gudgeons do very well with senegal bichirs. Leopard ctenopoma are good tankmates with bichirs, and from what I've read will only get to about 7" and IME aren't active, so they should be ok in a 3'

 

[spAcE mOnkEy]

in my opinion, a senegal should be able to live happily in a 36 inch tank, 3ft. But i dont think the tank could be any less! And i also think not many fish should be in the same tank, but i would rather keep one in a 4ft.

 

[tenxiong]

I think you can always upgrade your tank if you Birchir grows bigger, but for the tank mates... maybe snake heads, I have an sliver aro with mines and they get along good because the aro is a top feeder and the birchir is a bottom.