Polypterus Delhezi (Bichir)

[Weasel6]

Came across this "dragon" looking fish the other day at the store. The "common" name is Delhezi Bichir as I found it on another site. Anybody know anything about this fish or have any experience? I was thinking of getting one to replace a Bala I lost (literally). The guy at the LFS said it would get about 5" - 6" or so and about the size of a cigar. Would it mix with the others in my 75 gal.? My stock is listed below. I'm looking to get an eel, snake or "dragon" looking fish. Something different I guess.

[O-man21]

sounds good, if there wasn't the tiger barbs, and tetras, it'll eat them sooo fast..

[Weasel6]

Figured as much. It is such a cool looking fish though. Any suggestions of a similar type/looking fish?

[O-man21]

tire track eels, nah...those might eat them too, ummm...maybe some common fish but that look really weird, like maybe some bristenose plecos

[rjl420]

hi,

First off these guys get much bigger than 5-6 inches. average size is 10-12" and they are carnivorous. they are nocturnal and will be more active at night. a heavily planted tank is appreciated with somewhat acidic / soft water. it WILL eat any fish that can fit in its mouth. so when he gets bigger, the BA tetras may be lunch.

I have a delhizi in my 55 gallon planted tank, mostly with gouramis, he eats worms out of my hand and isn't too shy. it took him a while to settle in to the tank, and with your tankmates, it may spend some time hiding until it feels safe.

one more thing, these guys are escape artists, make sure your tank is escape proof, because they always seem to find a way out.