Will my Bichir be okay with a Flowerhorn? Will my flowerhorn bite the Bichir? Will the Bichir bite the flowerhorn? Can Flowerhorn Live With Bichir? Why is it so difficult to get your pet Flowerhorn a tankmate? Have these questions been bothering you? If yes, then you have come to the right place for answers. Giving your flowerhorn a Bichir tankmate is so fun and complicated and we are here to help you with the complications.
If given suitable living conditions, it is possible to keep flowerhorns and Bichir together, but sadly, it is not that easy. Before deciding to add a Bichir to your flowerhorn tank, there are many things you should know, and we will tell you all you need to know. We have everything you need, from the optimum tank setup to the Bichir species to the species’ compatibility and nature.
So go ahead and read by yourself about what you need to do to get your flowerhorn a Bichir friend.
Nature Of The Species
It is crucial to understand their behavior and personalities to determine whether the species you plan to mix in the tank will get along. Additionally, learn about the Bichir species that may coexist harmoniously with flowerhorns.
Nature Of Flowerhorns
Flowerhorns occasionally display extreme aggression. They are aggressive fish that will attack anyone who trespasses into their territory. While being fed, they also exhibit extreme aggression and greed.
Nature Of Bichir
These fish are carnivores by nature and can be violent. Thus, it is generally not a good idea to interact with any species that are smaller than them. They may be abused or even eaten.
The Compatibility Of The Species.
Bichirs are very compatible with Flowerhorns as Bichirs are excellent companions for not just Flowerhorns, but many other aggressive cichlids. Bichirs not only enjoy carnivorous foods, but these fish also have tough, armor-like scales that can withstand occasional bites.
Bichirs require large tank mates, similar to flowerhorn cichlids, as they will consume any smaller fish you try to place in their aquarium. As long as Bichirs are the same size or bigger, any of the 12 species of bichirs can coexist alongside flowerhorns.
Pros Of Your Flowerhorn And A Bichir Co-Existing
Here are some pros of your Bichir and Flowerhorn co-existing.
Socializing Habit
One advantage of keeping a Bichir in your tank of Flowerhorns is that it will keep things lively and help your Flowerhorn, who doesn’t particularly enjoy social interaction, get used to having a tankmate. In this manner, you can later buy other fish mates for Flowerhorn.
Higher Diversity
You’ll learn more about your Bichir as well as your Flowerhorn. Community tanks are more interesting to observe and maintain. This will allow you to give your full attention to your fishkeeping. Additionally, it is livelier because you may observe two different species getting along and making water splashes.
Experience
Your fishkeeping experience level will soar as a result of this. Imagine the lessons you could learn from having a Bichir and a Flowerhorn together, given how much having more than one fish now teaches you. Although there are many hazards and ups and downs in this experience, it will nonetheless be beneficial. You will gain more experience by treating yourself to more fish to care for.
Cons Of Your Flowerhorn And A Bichir Co-Existing
Here are some cons of your Flowerhorn and Bichir Co-existing.
Time Consuming
It can take a lot of time to care for a flowerhorn on your own. Adding a Bichir to your tank will now make your work more difficult. Don’t bother buying a Bichir if you are someone who is already very busy with your flowerhorn. It will require more of your patience and time, so if you are not prepared to give those right now, don’t. There’s always another time.
More Expensive
To create the ideal habitat for your Bichir and flowerhorn to live together, you’ll have to spend money on a new tank, new filters, new furniture, and new fish food. Even buying a Bichir is quite pricey. This is not for you if you are unable to spend that amount of money at this time.
Not For Beginners
Pairing a Flowerhorn with any fish is not an easy task. Flowerhorns find it difficult to get along with even their own kind. Pairing a Flowerhorn with a Bichir can be a very difficult task considering they both are territorial and aggressive. It will take some experience to operate it smoothly. So, I would not recommend this for beginners.
Ideal Situations for Living
The harmony between the Flowerhorn and Bichir will also be impacted by ideal living conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to create the best living conditions for both species so that they can coexist happily.
Ideal Tank Size
You must purchase a tank that will allow your Flowerhorn and Bichir to live together in harmony. Using a tank that is too tiny may strain your filter, which could result in fungus, a bacterial invasion, or simply a generally bad living environment.
Ideal Filter System
Both your Flowerhorn and Bichir will produce waste that ends up in the water while they coexist. This implies that you require a filtering system that is more effective than the typical one used by the majority of Flowerhorn owners.
Both species can benefit greatly from the filtration offered by a canister filter. Outside of the tank is where this filter is located. Your Flowerhorn and Bichir will benefit greatly from this external filter because it won’t take up any room within the aquarium. A canister filter does an incredible job of filtering the waste and will gradually purify the water.
A Bichir that may reach a length of 6 inches will require 30 gallons of water. A Bichir that is 6 to 8 inches in length will need 55 gallons of water, while a Bichir larger than 8 inches will require at least 75 gallons. If you follow these guidelines, Flowerhorns and Bichir can coexist together.
Your Flowerhorn and the Bichir must be able to swim freely in the water. The water must be double the length of the Bichir.
You can choose from the following:
- Hydro Professional External Canister Filter
- Eheim Classic External Canister Filter
- Aqua Clear Power Filter IIO
- Fluval FX6 Canister Filter
Ideal Aquarium Conditions
Your tank should provide your pets Flowerhorn and Bichir with the ideal habitat. The pH balance and water temperature must be among these requirements. Your Flowerhorn and Bichir should be content if you give them water that is 76 degrees Fahrenheit and has a pH level of 7.5.
Hiding Places
You must provide your Bichir somewhere to hide if your flowerhorn is having a hard time coexisting with the Bichir or is displaying signs of being afraid of the Bichir. Turned-over flower pots, PVC pipes, cave-like boulders, driftwood, big rocks, and artificial fish hideouts are a few examples of hiding spots.
Can Flowerhorns Live With Bichir?
Yes, Flowerhorns can live with Bichirs because Bichirs are very compatible with not just Flowerhorns but many other aggressive cichlids. Bichirs not only enjoy the same carnivorous foods, but they also have tough, armor-like scales that can withstand occasional bites.
Bichirs require large tank mates, similar to flowerhorn cichlids, as they will consume any smaller fish you try to place in their aquarium. As long as they are the same size or bigger, any of the 12 species of bichirs can coexist alongside flowerhorns.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Bichirs Can Coexist Peacefully?
More than one bichir can be kept in the same tank. They should get along well as long as you expand their tank to fit the extra fish, even if this isn’t something that happens frequently (not sure why).
What Is The Biggest Type Of Bichir?
The saddled bichir, which may grow to a fish size of around 30 inches, is the biggest.
How Big Can Bichirs Get?
The majority of species reach lengths of 30 to 60 cm (11.8 to 23.6 inches). The saddled bichirs (P. endlicherii) as well as Congo bichirs (P. congicus), the two largest species, have individuals that can reach lengths of 75 cm (29.5 inches), 97 cm (38.2 inches) and weights of 3.3 kg (7.3 pounds), 4.4 kg (9.7 pounds), respectively.
Do Bichirs Jump?
Yes, Bichirs are prone to jumping when startled, pursuing members of their species, or being pursued by other predators. You really must cover your tank!
Do Bichirs Have Teeth?
Yes, they do have teeth, but due to their numerous tooth patches, bichir has extremely sensitive mouths; even a grain of sand lodged there gives them pain and irritation, causing them to jerk their heads before ingesting anything.
Do Bichirs Lay Eggs?
Yes, Bichirs do lay eggs. Over several days, the female Bichir will lay anywhere between 100 and 300 eggs. Each time, she lays many eggs, which are fertilized by the male when he cups his anal and caudal fins around the female Bichir’s vaginal region. The eggs are taken by the male, who fertilizes them before dispersing them among the plants.
Can Bichir Live In Cold Water?
No, they don’t. Though much to the dismay of devoted aquarists, these bichirs are likely to swim their way out of tanks that do not have tight-fitting lids. They thrive in shallow waters. Waters should be kept at a constant 72–82°F temperature, a pH of 6.0–8.0, and a hardness of 5–25°H.
Conclusion
Yes, Flowerhorns can live with Bichirs peacefully if provided with plenty of hiding spots and good living conditions. The key is to keep them separated while feeding and get them a nice filter that can filter both the fish’s wastes properly.
We have provided you with all the information you need to get your Flowerhorn a Bichir. Now go ahead and live your best fishkeeping lives!