shellbell4ever

Ok so I took my Grandson to the petshop today to pick out a fish for his bookshelf tank (6.6 gallons) told the guy what tank he had even showed him the tank! originally Dylan picked out a rope eel but the guy said he would get to big (which I figured) so he showed my grandson these guys and said they would be ok...LOL what have I gotten myself intoAnyone with any info would be greatly appreciated!!!

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iloveengl

What in the world? All the kinds I've read about grow from 10"-24"! I can't imagine why the clerk steered you toward any kind of bichirs (or maybe I can, since most clerks are clueless ).

Here's some information on them:
http://www.polypterus.info/keeping_polypterus.htm

Is he a Polypterus palmas polli?

I highly suggest returning it asap before your grandson becomes overly attached ; unless his parents are planning to get him a 55g for the holidays...never too early to start MTS.

Time

Be ready to look for a tank room because there is no end unless your completely satisfied. MTS is just another extent of the hobby. I only do my purchases when the owner/manager is around. Good luck! You should get the big tank right away instead of many grow out tanks.

shellbell4ever

Ok, so I talked with my grandson, and he agrees the Bichir is going back today... and were getting him this cute baby bubble eye goldfish that he spotted on our way out of the pet shop (with new fish in hand)and Hubby said I can get a 20 gallon high for it next week so excited for all involved...Thanks for all reply's!! Just not enough room for another 30long or 55 gallon Tank right now.

iloveengl

If you want to use that bookshelf tank, some suggestions off the top of my head that will suit your grandson's small tank are a betta, or a honey gourami, or a sparkling gourami, or an African Dwarf Frog, or white cloud minnow, and you can add to any of those a couple shrimp and/or a mystery snail.

You may want to read about the nitrogen cycle if you haven't heard of that: http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm

I'm sorry your grandson is having to return his fish. That store clerk should have been more honest or better educated in order to help. That's great that he can have his goldfish in a good sized tank!

acestriker

Very good idea, I have a Bichir and he has already grown and i have only had him for about a month... about 6 1/2 inches and i guess they get a lot bigger... way too small for a little tank.