Best feeder fish for Senegal Bichir

Hello,

We have a new addition to our tanks, a juvenile Senegal Bichir.
Our 55g well cycled tank holding some b.n.tetras.

Was told by store that its too small to try for a Tetra right now, but in a couple months would...well that was not true lol as its already striked for 2 of the 17 tetras now...both times shortly after letting light into room, before turning tank light on.
It killed them both, but could not swallow them...so a bit of a waste there.
Will eat practically anything...high grade pellet, flake, freeze dried and obviously live lol.

Most people say that they are not active, and tend to hide when light is on. However i don't see this with our Bichir. He/she will make use of whole tank, swims actively and takes some rests within the plants here and there (uses Limnophila Hippuroides as a hunting Hammock) lol....and is quite interactive with me and my son.


I am wondering if this changes as they get older?
Best feeder fish for the Bichir?
Maybe some minnows??
Is a 55g (tall ) suitable for this Bichir ?
Substrate is sand/gravel mix.
Live plants, terracotta for 'caves' until I get some flat rocks...should we set this 55g up with a rock plateau that would allow the Bichir a place out of water but within tank?

I avoid using beef, chicken etc. because they actually don't have the cologeness (I think thats how its spelled?) to break down those meats. So leads to early health problems.

We have lids on tank, but other than coming up for some terrestrial air now and then, it seems to like its environment.


Thanks,

On Instagram as well, @freshwatercanuckz

 

Usually, a 90 gallon is recommended as the bare minimum for a Senegal Bichir. They can get up to 12 inches and they need some room to stretch.
I'm sorry no one replied to you earlier. Did you lose the rest of your tetras?

 

they actually don't have the cologeness (I think thats how its spelled?) to break down those meats.

It's spelled collagenase.

 

just got one myself, searching for info also?????

 

Usually, a 90 gallon is recommended as the bare minimum for a Senegal Bichir. They can get up to 12 inches and they need some room to stretch.
I'm sorry no one replied to you earlier. Did you lose the rest of your tetras?

Hey, sorry about months reply lol
We put them in our 40gb for now as there's a bit more room for them than the 55g.
They are just under 7" now

just got one myself, searching for info also?????

Hey sorry about late reply, yes I am actively researching them.
This Senegal Bichir actually died on us shortly after I posted this in September. Went into.this sudden convulsions and nose dived towards the sponge filter and that was it...
In October I decided to give the Polypterus another go, but this time grabbed 2 instead of 1. Learning they are a very social animal, figuring the company would ease stress etc.
Well, I was right lol. As we have had 2 since October and they are both just under 7"
Growing out in a species only 40gb

It's spelled collagenase.

That's it?