20 Best Senegal Bichir Tank Mates
Senegal Bichirs are fascinating aquarium creatures with their unique, ancient appearance and eel-like movements. To fully enjoy these captivating fish, it is important to choose the right tank mates. In this article, we will explore the 20 best companions for your Senegal Bichir.
African Butterfly Fish
The African Butterfly Fish makes an amazing tank mate for the Senegal Bichir. With their distinct appearance and unique way of swimming, these two species can co-exist peacefully in your aquarium.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 30 gal (114 L) minimum
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperature: Semi-Aggressive
- Diet & Feeding: Carnivore, prefers live or frozen food like small fish, insects, and shrimp
- Adult Size: 5 inches (13 cm)
African Butterfly Fish spend most of their time near the water surface, preying on insects and other small creatures. They have long pectoral fins that resemble wings, giving them a captivating appeal.
To ensure a harmonious environment and prevent territorial issues, provide ample hiding spots such as floating plants for both the African Butterfly Fish and the Senegal Bichir. A well-maintained and designed tank will ensure that both species thrive together.
Elephant Nose Fish
The Elephant Nose Fish, also known as the Mormyridae family, is a unique and fascinating species that can be an excellent addition to your Senegal Bichir’s tank. With their distinctive trunk-like mouths and sensitive weak electric field sensors, these fish have an unusual appearance and engaging behavior.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: 55 gallons (208 liters) minimum
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperature: Peaceful, shy
- Diet & Feeding: Carnivorous, live and frozen foods
- Adult Size: Up to 9 inches (23 cm)
Elephant Nose Fish prefer calm, dimly lit environments with plenty of hiding spots, which makes them suitable for a shared setup with a Senegal Bichir. However, ensure they have their hiding spots and areas to retreat.
Please bear in mind that they can be territorial and may not tolerate others of their own kind. Elephant Nose Fish are best kept with only one per tank, especially when paired with a Bichir.
Black Ghost Knifefish
The Black Ghost Knifefish is an exotic species recognized by its unique and striking appearance. This nocturnal fish prefers to stay in dark, secluded areas, making it an excellent tank mate for the shy Senegal Bichir. Here is a summary of the Black Ghost Knifefish’s characteristics:
- Compatibility: 3.5/5
- Tank Size: 100 gallons (378 liters) minimum
- Care Level: Intermediate
- Temperature: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Carnivorous; prefers live or frozen food such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and small feeder fish
- Adult Size: Up to 20 inches (51 cm)
Keep in mind that the Black Ghost Knifefish requires a well-structured tank environment with hiding spaces and minimal lighting. To ensure a harmonious aquarium, pair them with similarly sized and peaceful tank mates such as the Senegal Bichir. With proper care and conditions, these species can coexist and thrive together.
Boesemani Rainbowfish
Boesemani Rainbowfish are a gorgeous addition to your Senegal Bichir tank, thanks to their striking colors and active behavior. They prefer a well-planted aquarium, which can provide hiding spots and help them feel more secure in their environment. Boesemani Rainbowfish are generally tolerant of other species, making them a good match for your Bichir.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons (113 liters)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperature: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; will accept a variety of flake, frozen, and live foods
- Adult Size: Up to 4 inches (10 cm)
When introducing Boesemani Rainbowfish to your aquarium, start with a group of at least 6 to create a more natural environment for them. Keep in mind that they are active swimmers, meaning they require ample swimming space. Overall, these brightly colored fish make a lively and attractive addition to your Senegal Bichir tank.
Congo Tetra
Congo Tetras are mesmerizing and brightly colored tropical fish that originate from Central Africa. Their shiny scales and shimmering colors make them instantly popular among aquarists. They are known for their peaceful temperament and are a perfect addition to a community aquarium with a Senegal Bichir.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons (113 liters)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperature: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; will accept flake foods, small live or frozen foods, and vegetable matter.
- Adult Size: Up to 3.5 inches (9 cm)
To provide an ideal environment for Congo Tetras, make sure to decorate your aquarium with a variety of plants and hiding places for them to feel secure. Keep in mind to maintain water quality and stable temperature as these fish are susceptible to stress caused by poor water conditions. Add them to your Senegal Bichir aquarium, and enjoy watching these radiant fish interact!
Giant Gourami
The Giant Gourami is another suitable tank mate for your Senegal Bichir. These fish offer an interesting addition to your tank due to their size and unique appearance. The Giant Gourami can co-exist with the Bichir, thanks to their calm nature and compatibility level.
- Compatibility: 3 out of 5
- Tank Size: 150 gal (568 L)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperature: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; should be fed a balanced diet of both vegetable and meaty foods such as pellets, flakes, and live or frozen foods.
- Adult Size: up to 24 inches (61 cm)
Ensure your tank is spacious, as the Giant Gourami can grow quite large. A well-planted tank with hiding spots will provide these fish with the necessary comfort to thrive. Although the Gourami is a peaceful fish, it’s essential to keep a close watch on their interactions with the Bichir and adjust as needed.
Hoplo Catfish
Hoplo Catfish are hardy and relatively low-maintenance fish, making them great tank mates for your Senegal Bichir. These bottom-dwelling catfish have a peaceful temperament and can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) in length, ensuring they won’t be seen as a snack by the Bichir.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: 30+ gallons (113+ liters)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperature: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous, including sinking pellets and live or frozen foods
- Adult Size: 6 inches (15 cm)
While they are not very active during daytime hours, Hoplos are known to come alive in the evening when they tend to be more social with other tank mates. It’s essential to provide hiding spaces and avoid housing them with large, aggressive fish. Overall, the Hoplo Catfish’s adaptability and ease of care make it a wonderful choice for sharing a tank with your Senegal Bichir.
Clown Loach
Clown Loaches are popular for their unique appearance and active behavior, making them an excellent choice as tank mates for Senegal Bichirs. They are bottom dwellers and are well-known for their social disposition. Clown Loaches are strong swimmers and will need a good-sized tank to be comfortable.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: 75 gallons (284 liters)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperature: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous, feed on live, frozen, and flakes
- Adult Size: Up to 12 inches (30 cm)
Clown Loaches may take time to get used to new tank mates, but once they are comfortable, they make excellent companions for your Senegal Bichir. Just ensure there are plenty of hiding spaces in the tank for the Clown Loaches to retreat when needed.
They are peaceful fish, but like other social species, they will need to be kept in groups to do well. If properly taken care of, Clown Loaches can live up to 10 years and bring lots of joy and interesting dynamics to your aquarium.
Plecostomus
Plecostomus, also known as Plecos or Suckerfish, are some of the most popular tank mates for Senegal Bichirs. Their fascinating appearance and diverse variety make them an excellent option for maintaining a clean and exciting aquarium.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 30-150 gallons (113-568 liters) depending on the species
- Care Level: Easy to intermediate
- Temperature: Generally peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Herbivorous, algae eater
- Adult Size: 4-24 inches (10-60 cm), depending on species
Plecostomus have an exceptional ability to consume algae, potentially preventing the growth of certain harmful algal blooms. They are generally peaceful toward other tank mates, making them a great companion for Bichirs.
It is essential to choose a Plecostomus species with a size appropriate for your tank, as some can grow exceptionally large. While their primary diet consists of algae, Plecos should also be provided with sinking pellets, vegetables, and occasional protein sources to ensure proper nutrition and growth.
Silver Dollar
Silver Dollar fish are excellent tank mates for Senegal Bichirs due to their peaceful nature and preference for similar water conditions. Silver Dollars are schooling fish, which means they create a harmonious and visually appealing environment for you and your bichir.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 75 gallons (284 liters) minimum, larger for schools
- Care Level: Easy to moderate
- Temperature: Peaceful, schooling fish
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous, will accept a variety of high-quality flakes, pellets, and frozen or live foods
- Adult Size: Up to 6 inches (15 cm)
When creating a community tank with Silver Dollars and Senegal Bichirs, it is crucial to provide enough hiding spots and swimming areas for both species.
Silver Dollars are generally hardy fish that can adapt to a wide range of water conditions, making them an ideal companion for the adaptable Senegal Bichir. Overall, these two species will thrive together, creating a vibrant and engaging aquatic habitat for you to enjoy.
Blue Acara
The Blue Acara (Andinoacara pulcher) is a beautiful fish species that originates from Central and South America. These fish are known for their stunning blue, green, and metallic scales, making them visually appealing additions to any aquarium. Here are some key points to consider when pairing a Blue Acara with a Senegal Bichir:
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 30 gallons (114 liters) minimum
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperature: Peaceful, but territorial
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous (flake, pellet, and live/frozen foods)
- Adult Size: 8 inches (20 cm)
The Blue Acara’s peaceful temperament and ability to thrive in a variety of water conditions makes them suitable tank mates for the Senegal Bichir. Just keep in mind that they can be territorial, so it’s important to provide plenty of hiding spaces to prevent aggression.
Leopard Bush Fish
The Leopard Bush Fish, also known as the Spotted Climbing Perch or Ctenopoma acutirostre, is a unique addition to your Senegal Bichir tank mates. These fish have a striking appearance, with their leopard-like spotted bodies and big eyes, making them visually appealing for your aquarium.
They are native to African slow-moving rivers and swampy areas, which means they are comfortable in similar conditions as the Senegal Bichir.
- Compatibility: 3/5
- Tank Size: 50 gal (190 liters) minimum
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperature: Semi-aggressive
- Diet & Feeding: Carnivore, live and frozen foods preferred
- Adult Size: Up to 6 inches (15 cm)
Leopard Bush Fish can be territorial, hence it is essential to provide them with ample hiding spaces such as plants, rocks, and driftwood. They usually get along well with Senegal Bichirs due to their similar size and carnivorous nature, but just monitor your tank regularly to ensure proper coexistence between the two species.
Jack Dempsey
The Jack Dempsey fish is a fascinating option as a tank mate for your Senegal Bichir. These fish have vibrant colors with shimmering blue and purple hues, making them a great addition to your tank. However, they do have a slightly aggressive nature, so it is essential to monitor their interactions with other fish.
- Compatibility: 3/5
- Tank Size: 55 gal (208 liters) minimum
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperature: Semi-aggressive
- Diet & Feeding: Carnivore (pellets, live, and frozen food)
- Adult Size: Up to 10 inches (25 cm)
Putting Jack Dempsey fish with your Senegal Bichir should be done so with caution. To ensure your fish remain happy and comfortable, provide them with enough hiding spots, such as caves and densely planted areas. With proper care, you can create a harmonious community tank with these stunning fish.
Convict Cichlid
Convict Cichlids are another great tank mate option for your Senegal Bichir. Native to Central America, this relatively small fish is known for its striking black and white coloration. Despite their small size, Convict Cichlids are quite hardy and easy to care for, making them a solid choice for beginners and experienced fish keepers alike.
- Compatibility: 3 out of 5
- Tank Size: 30 gallons (113 liters) minimum
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperature: Semi-aggressive
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous, will eat flakes, pellets, and live/frozen foods
- Adult Size: Around 6 inches (15 cm)
Convict Cichlids can be somewhat territorial, so it’s important to provide enough hiding spots and space for them to coexist peacefully with your Bichir. Additionally, their omnivorous diet complements the carnivorous Bichir, ensuring that both species can be fed without much hassle.
Firemouth Cichlid
Firemouth Cichlids are a colorful and interesting addition to any Senegal Bichir tank. As their name suggests, these fish display striking red and orange hues around their mouths and throats, making them an eye-catching tank mate. When considering these fish, take note of the following:
- Compatibility: 3/5
- Tank Size: 30 gal (114 liters) minimum
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperature: Semi-aggressive
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous, feeds on flake, pellet, and live foods
- Adult Size: 6 inches (15 cm)
Due to their semi-aggressive temperament, it is essential to provide plenty of hiding spaces in the tank to minimize conflict. Firemouth Cichlids generally get along with Senegal Bichirs, but keep an eye out for aggression between them. In addition, maintaining a proper diet and water quality will ensure that both species can coexist and thrive in your aquarium.
Blood Parrot Cichlid
Blood Parrot Cichlids, with their vibrant colors and unique features, are an exotic and compatible tank mate for your Senegal Bichir. These fascinating fish are known for their friendly nature, making them a great addition to your aquatic community.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 30 gallons (114 liters) minimum
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperature: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous – pellets, flakes, and live/frozen foods
- Adult Size: 8 inches (20 cm)
The Blood Parrot Cichlid requires clean water and a well-decorated environment to thrive. Ensure you have an adequate filtration system in place and maintain a balanced diet for them to be happy and healthy.
Although peaceful, Blood Parrot Cichlids can become territorial, so provide plenty of hiding spots to avoid aggression. Your Senegal Bichir and Blood Parrot Cichlid are sure to coexist harmoniously, creating a delightful underwater world within your tank.
Oscar Fish
Oscar Fish are a great option for a Senegal Bichir tank mate as these freshwater fish are native to the Amazon Basin and share similar temperaments with the Bichir. They can grow relatively large, so it is important to ensure you have a suitably sized tank for them to coexist.
- Compatibility: 3/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 55 gallons (208 liters)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperature: Semi-aggressive
- Diet & Feeding: Carnivore, feed them high-quality pellets, frozen, and live foods
- Adult Size: Up to 12 inches (30 cm)
Keep in mind that Oscars can become territorial as they mature, so species with a similar size like the Bichir can help to keep aggression under control. Be sure to maintain proper in-tank hiding spaces to reduce any potential conflicts between these tank mates.
Tiger Barb
Tiger Barbs are small, colorful fish that add a splash of vibrancy to your Senegal Bichir tank. Their energetic swimming will bring life to your aquarium, and their social nature means they will thrive when kept in a group. Here are some essential points to consider when adding Tiger Barbs to your tank.
- Compatibility: 2/5
- Tank Size: 20-30 gal (75-113 liters)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperature: Semi-aggressive
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; feed them high-quality flakes, pellets, and occasionally live or frozen foods.
- Adult Size: 2-3 inches (5-7 cm)
Though active swimmers, Tiger Barbs have a semi-aggressive nature, which may lead to nipping issues. To keep aggression in check, keep them in groups of at least five or more. Additionally, their small size makes them less suitable for larger, predatory tankmates.
Monitor their behavior and ensure their compatibility with your Senegal Bichir to maintain a healthy, harmonious tank environment.
Bala Shark
Bala Sharks are a striking and popular choice as tank mates for Senegal Bichirs. Their peaceful and social nature makes them an ideal choice for a community tank with large and non-aggressive fish species. However, it is essential to provide ample swimming space for these active swimmers.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: 120 gallons (454 liters)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperature: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; requires a varied diet including pellets, flakes, live, and frozen foods
- Adult Size: 12-14 inches (30-36 cm)
Bala Sharks will thrive in a well-maintained tank with plenty of hiding spots, such as caves and plants. Providing them with a proper diet and stable water conditions will ensure a healthy and happy environment for your Senegal Bichir and their Bala Shark tank mates.
Keep in mind that these fish can grow quite large, so planning for a sizeable tank is necessary to accommodate their growth.
Peacock Bass
The Peacock Bass is a stunning fish showcasing vibrant colors and unique patterns. Known for their active behavior and size, they have become quite popular in the aquarium community. However, they require specific conditions and tank mates for a harmonious environment.
- Compatibility: 3/5
- Tank Size: 150+ gal (568+ liters)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperature: Aggressive
- Diet & Feeding: Carnivore, live and frozen foods
- Adult Size: Up to 30 inches (76 cm)
To successfully keep Peacock Bass, you should provide a large tank with hiding spots and ample swimming space. They can exhibit territorial behavior and are considered aggressive with smaller fish.
Therefore, it’s essential to stick to tank mates that can hold their own against Peacock Bass, such as Oscars, Bala Sharks, and similarly sized fish. With the right tank mates and care, this majestic fish will be a striking addition to your aquarium.
Conclusion
These 20 best Senegal Bichir tank mates are diverse and intriguing, offering different levels of compatibility and care requirements. Choosing the right combination of tank mates can create a thriving, harmonious underwater ecosystem in your aquarium. Which tank mates are your favorite? Leave a comment and let us know!
