Barred bichir Care Guide

The Barred Bichir is a fascinating and semi-aggressive aquatic creature, suitable for intermediate fish keepers due to its moderate hardiness and unique requirements. Here's a comprehensive guide to ensure your Barred Bichir thrives in your aquarium.

Tank Setup

The Barred Bichir requires a spacious tank due to its potential size, growing between 30 to 60 cm (approximately 12 to 24 inches). It’s important to have a minimum tank volume of 75 liters (20 gallons) per fish. Make sure your tank is equipped to house a minimum of three bichirs to meet their schooling requirements.

Given their habitat preferences, Barred Bichirs are versatile dwellers capable of inhabiting the surface, mid-section, and bottom of the tank. A tank with varied plant life, rocks, and caves will mimic their natural environment, providing both hiding spots and swimming space. Please ensure that the tank is securely covered, as these fish are known for jumping.

Water Conditions

Barred Bichirs thrive in water with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F) and a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. Regular water changes and adequate filtration are essential to maintain water quality, as this species can be slightly sensitive to poor conditions.

Feeding

This species has a diverse diet in its natural habitat, which should be reflected in their feeding plan. A balanced diet can include flakes, pellets, bloodworms, brine shrimp, and tubifex worms. It’s also beneficial to occasionally offer frozen shrimp, vegetable matter, algae wafers, and daphnia.

Given their semi-aggressive nature, ensure enough food is available so they don’t feel the need to compete aggressively for resources. Occasionally, you may offer feeder fish to stimulate their natural hunting instincts, but ensure these are properly quarantined beforehand.

Social Behavior and Compatibility

The social temperament of Barred Bichirs ranges from social and playful to shy and semi-aggressive. They are also known to exhibit highly territorial behavior and may show significantly more aggression during breeding. It's crucial to monitor interactions with other tankmates to ensure a peaceful and balanced environment. Avoid housing them with significantly smaller fish species that could be perceived as prey.

Maintenance

Caring for Barred Bichirs involves moderate maintenance. Regularly monitoring water parameters, ensuring proper diet variety, and observing fish interactions will keep these fascinating creatures healthy and thriving. Due to their semi-aggressive territorial nature, extra attention may be needed to prevent conflicts within the tank, especially during breeding.

With proper care and attention, the Barred Bichir can be a unique and captivating addition to your aquarium, offering a dynamic presence and interesting behaviors.