How big does a dinosaur eel get?
When setting up a tank for your polypterus, keep in mind that even smaller varieties can grow to be over a foot long. Some species, including the red bichir and the fat-headed bichir, can be two feet long, and the mammoth Congo bichir can grow to over three feet.
What fish can live with dinosaur bichir?
Here are ten of the best Dinosaur Bichir tank mates:
- Oscar Fish. This species is also known as the “Marble Cichlid” thanks to its mesmerizing appearance.
- Elephant-Nose Fish.
- Flowerhorn Cichlid.
- Hoplo Catfish.
- Pink Convict Cichlid.
- Clown Loaches.
- Jack Dempsey Cichlids.
- Black Ghost Knifefish.
How big do bichir Eels get?
Most species grow to between 30 and 60 cm (11.8 and 23.6 inches) long. Some members of the largest two species, the saddled bichirs (P. endlicherii) and Congo bichirs (P. congicus), grow to lengths of 75 cm (29.5 inches) and 97 cm (38.2 inches) and weights of 3.3 kg (7.3 pounds) and 4.4 kg (9.7 pounds), respectively.
Are bichir eels?
Sometimes called dinosaur eels, Bichirs are true living fossils and some of the most unusual fish in the aquarium hobby.
Are Bichirs aggressive?
Bichir Tank Mates
As we’ve said, these fish can be aggressive and are naturally carnivores. This means that any species their size or smaller is probably not a good idea. They might get picked on or even eaten!
Do Bichirs have teeth?
With their many tooth patches, bichir have highly sensitive mouths, even a grain of sand stuck in a tooth patch causes them discomfort and irritation, so they jerk their heads to remove the sand before swallowing anything.
Are dinosaur bichirs aggressive?
Do bichirs bite?
They have become extremely popular in the freshwater aquarium trade for their interesting physical appearances, and their serene dispositions. While they are predatory, bichirs can be quite peaceful and great for community-living so long as their tankmates are not bite-sized.
How many bichirs can live together?
Author Note: You can keep more than one bichir in the same tank as well. While this isn’t done very often (not sure why) as long as you increase their tank size to accommodate the additional fish, they should get along quite nicely!
How long do dinosaur eels live?
Dinosaur Bichir Facts & Overview
| Scientific name | Polypterus senegalus |
|---|---|
| Common names | Senegal bichir, gray bichir, Cuvier’s bichir, dinosaur eel, dinosaur bichir, dragon fish, swamp dragon |
| Distribution | Africa, India |
| Size | Up to 18 inches in captivity. 28 inches in the wild |
| Life expectancy | 10–15 years |
Do bichirs eat fish?
Dinosaur bichirs are one of the more peaceful species from its genus, but that isn’t to say that they are not aggressive fish; remember, bichirs are large carnivores and will eat any small fish they come across. They should never be trusted in a tank where they can easily eat their tank mates.
Do bichirs have teeth?
Do bichirs jump?
Bichirs are prompt to jump when in fright or when chasing each other of their own kind or kena chased by other predators. It is a MUST to cover up your tank!
Are bichirs aggressive?
What fish can go with bichirs?
Bichir Tank Mates
- Oscar fish.
- Flowerhorn cichlids.
- African knife.
- Clown Loaches.
- Jack Dempsey fish.
- Silver Dollar fish.
Will dinosaur Bichir eat other fish?
Dinosaur bichir behavior
Dinosaur bichirs are one of the more peaceful species from its genus, but that isn’t to say that they are not aggressive fish; remember, bichirs are large carnivores and will eat any small fish they come across.
Does bichir jump?
What size tank does a bichir need?
What Size Aquarium Do They Need? Bichirs are quite large fish and require at least a 90-gallon aquarium for an adult specimen.
How long do dinosaur Bichirs live?
While small dinosaur bichirs may look manageable in the tank at the pet store, it is always important to remember their adult size (20 inches/50 cm) and how long they can live (up to 30 years)!
Do Bichirs bite?
Are dinosaur Bichirs aggressive?
Why do eels jump out of tanks?
Catania notes that in the experiment, the eels tended to attack more often when the water in the tank was low, suggesting that the “shocking leap” behavior is used to protect themselves during the dry season in the Amazon, when they are vulnerable. Follow @MaryBowerman on Twitter.
Why did my fish jump out of its tank?
Reasons Fish Jump out of the Tank
If the water quality in the tank is poor, the fish might jump out to seek a more appropriate environment. Other factors such as lack of hiding places, low oxygen levels and improper pH balance can also lead to fish jumping out of the tank.
Do Bichirs jump?
How long can an eel live out of water?
First, although eels breathe with gills underwater, they can survive out of water for several hours breathing through their skin.