lima shovelnose

[cpn_aaron]

Thinking about getting one for my 150 gal aquarium and I was curious if they would give my polypterus any problems. I plan on getting a smaller one to grow up with my larger bichirs. I just wonder if they would fit in its eventaul large mouth and be done for.

 

[StreetCypher]

Limas and bichirs mix quite well IME. No fighting, the occasional "get lost" when they're going for the same piece of food.
Depending on the bichir, at adult sizes i'd be worried about the lima getting eaten. FOr instance, a full grown congicus (24"-30") may attempt to eat a 15" lima, but not the other way around.

 

[Cloud-9]

Your Polypterus Collection

spartan,

You've got quite a collection of polypteris there. I've got one Ornatippinis that I've had since 1997. I have no idea how long they live. Hopefully they will live as long as humans. He seems to be a very responsive fish. I would almost daresay probably intelligent.

I went through years of growing fish out, and then either trading them away or giving them back to the dealer. But, I get the impression that this one has intelligence. I did not want to take him back to the dealer and then have them put him in a tank with fish that would kill him. That's what they did to my Orange Pike, Buttikoferi, and maybe my Five-Spot Jewel. It made me so sick when I saw my pike bigger, but obviously not doing well in their huge display tank. I wanted to spare my bichir that, althought I got bored with him many times. So, he has been a constant pet through 3 house relocations.

 

[StreetCypher]

Bichirs have pretty long lifespans. I'd say, properly taken care of ~20 years, varying from species to species.
Ornates are the largest upper jaw bichirs, it'll eventually hit ~24". Mine enjoys to hide a lot though. I think its great that you've kept it for so long, must be quite large by now. And its pattern must be great! I also agree that they are pretty smart.