Pleco Bichir Compatibility?

[mrfryc]

Hello - I'm new here but not to fish-keeping. I've had a tank with a 10" pleco for some time, and I just put a 10" ornate bichir in with the pleco. I was told these two would be compatible (as the pleco is too big for the bichir to eat). So far they haven't come to blows, but the pleco seems to chase after the bichir and bump him with his head. The bichir seems to be very mild mannered, and just moves along. Could this turn into a potential problem? I know from experience that when you introduce a new animal to an animal that has made a place his home, they tend to but heads for some time and then things mellow out... could this be the case here?

Any help/commentary would be appreciated.

 

[Slappy*McFish]

I posted an answer in your other thread.

 

[greyhoundfan]

I have a 10" Royal Pleco with a 10" Bichir. They are an odd couple of sorts and unfortunately like the same are of the tank. I have two hiding places made out of driftwood on opposite ends of the tank. They're both stubborn and are hanging on to the left side of the tank. Even though the hiding spaces are the same. The pleco is more bossy and tries to push out the bichir. The bichir just ignores him and doens't budge. Eventually the pleco gives up and they both co-exist in the same area.

 

[mrfryc]

That's encouraging to hear - I have a larger wood-looking structure that they both seem to enjoy on the left side of the tank... maybe the best solution is to get another structure for the other side.

And yes, the pleco is definitely the aggressor, bumping and chasing the bichir, and the bichir seems to be more mobile and just swims about until mr. pleco gives up...

 

[Malefic23]

Heh, sounds like he's just defining territory for his personal space. We had two senegals in with a 7 inch common plec, and the common liked to push the bigger bichir out of his cave from time to time. No one got injured and they all fed together with the usual bumping.