Bichir fish have been a staple in fish tanks for many years. Bichirs are also known as eartheater or water whips because of the way they use their long, whip-like tails to hunt prey. These fish aren’t aggressive and are low-maintenance pets. However, there is some concern about their aggressiveness. Are bichir fish aggressive? Let’s take a look at the truth about bichir fish!
What You Should Know About Bichir Fish
Bichirs are freshwater fish native to Africa and South Asia. There are around 20 different species that fall under the bichir name, and they have been around since the age of the dinosaurs! These fish have long, thorn-like spines and a long, whiplike tail that they use to catch their prey.
Bichirs are popular aquarium fish due to their interesting looks and relaxed nature. Since they aren’t fast swimmers, they make great community fish for aquariums with fish that don’t mind a slower pace of life. Their unique appearance is sure to be the centerpiece of any aquarium!
How to Care for Bichir Fish
Bichir fish have a few specific care requirements. Unlike some other fish, they don’t need a bubbling filter or a lot of water movement. Bichirs prefer a quieter environment with plenty of plants. Overall, these fish are easy to care for and are great for beginners.
Tank Size
Bichir fish reach a maximum length of around a foot. They don’t need a huge tank, but a five-gallon tank can easily house a couple of them. The tank should provide plenty of room for swimming and hiding.
Water Conditions
Bichir fish prefer a pH level of around 7.0. They’re also not too picky about water temperature and will do fine in a range between 68-77 degrees Fahrenheit.
Food
Bichirs have a carnivorous diet and will eat live, frozen, or freeze-dried worms and insects. They can also be fed a balanced commercial fish food.
Are Bichirs Aggressive?
If you’re wondering whether bichir fish are aggressive, know that these fish aren’t known to be aggressive. Bichirs are known to be extremely shy and will generally hide from other fish. If a more aggressive fish is added to the same aquarium as a bichir, the bichir may be chased out of its hiding spot.
If you’re housing bichirs with smaller, more aggressive fish, you may want to add a large, peaceful plant to the aquarium to provide the bichirs with a hiding spot. Some people report having success with keeping bichirs in community aquariums, but others have had issues.
The Truth About Bichir Fish
Bichirs are a great choice for fish lovers who want to try something a little different. These fish are interesting and beautiful, but they aren’t aggressive. Bichirs are also generally easy to care for and can thrive in a community aquarium.
However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind if you’re interested in bichirs. Bichirs are a very shy species and prefer a slow-moving tank with plenty of hiding spots.
They’re also not beginner fish and may not thrive in a tank that has a lot of other fish in it. If you’re interested in bichirs, it’s a good idea to have a quiet tank set up ahead of time.
Are Bichir Fish Good Pets?
Bichirs are great fish for pet owners who want something different, but they aren’t a good choice for beginners. These fish need a quiet aquarium with plenty of hiding spots.
It’s also important to select a healthy bichir to avoid diseases such as fin rot. Overall, bichirs are interesting and beautiful fish that make a great pets.
Conclusion
Bichir fish are fascinating to watch and make a beautiful addition to any aquarium. These fish are a strange and unique species that most fish keepers aren’t familiar with. Bichirs make great pets and are a fun alternative to the more common aquarium fish.
However, bichirs have specific care requirements that are different from many other aquarium fish. These fish prefer a slow-moving tank with plenty of hiding spots. Bichirs are also shy by nature and may not thrive in a tank with a lot of other fish in it.
If you’re interested in bichirs, it’s a good idea to have a quiet tank set up ahead of time. Bichirs are a unique and captivating species that are sure to make a beautiful addition to any aquarium!
