The Saddled Endlicheri Bichir is one of the most fascinating and unique fish on the planet. This prehistoric-looking species has an ancient aesthetic that’s sure to add an incredible vibe to your home aquarium. Yet, these wonderful fish have some nuanced care requirements, so they may not be the best option for new hobbyists. Let’s look at some care tips for Saddled Endlicheri Bichir.
1. They Need Lots Of Space
Saddled Bichirs are a large species, so they won’t be a suitable option for everybody. These fish grow more than two feet long. They’re roughly the same size as Koi Carp, which need lots of space; otherwise, they’ll likely outgrow their aquarium! Because of their size demands, Saddled Bichir may not be a suitable option for apartment living. You’ll need a 180-gallon tank for one species—and even more gallonage if you keep a pair!
2. You Must Keep the Water Parameters Stable
This won’t shock experienced fish hobbyists, but it’s essential to maintain an aquarium’s water parameters. Fluctuating levels can affect the fishes’ physical health and cause stress, a major trigger for disease. Endlicheri Bichirs require relatively warm freshwater with a constant temperature of 75 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, they need a relatively wide pH level of 6.5 to 8.0. The good news is that there’s quite a bit of flexibility here. Also, a moderate water hardness is acceptable for this exotic species. Just don’t use tap water because the chlorine can be toxic to your fish.
3. Keep Their Tank Clean
To ensure the health of your fish, you must keep their aquarium clean. Bichirs are bottom feeders, so they’ll eat decomposing food that sinks to the tank’s base, but they can’t do the job by themselves. Here are some tips:
- When cleaning the aquarium, conduct a 20 percent water change.
- Test the water parameters regularly.
- Remove any decaying plants to reduce the risk of algae blooms.
- Get a filter suited to your aquarium’s size.
Bichirs aren’t the hardiest species, so they need their owners to stay on top of their habitat’s maintenance.
4. Saddled Bichirs Are Meat Eaters
The bad news is that the Saddled Bichir isn’t the cheapest fish to feed. They’re a carnivorous species that loves live food. Some owners love watching them pursue their prey because they’re ambush predators. Bloodworms and nightcrawlers are some of the best bargain options for these Bichirs because they’re cheap and readily available. In the wild, they’ll naturally eat smaller fish and crustaceans.
You can give them small shrimp, fish fillets, and krill pellets. Some owners give them feeder fish as a treat, but don’t offer goldfish because of their high fat content. There are many options for feeding carnivorous fish, but the best one depends on how much you want to spend!
5. These Fish Crave Darkness
The Endlicheri Bichir is a nocturnal species, so don’t expect too much activity from them during the day. You should also feed them in the evening because this is in line with their instincts. Situate their tank away from windows with bright sunshine. Also, provide them with plenty of hiding spaces and cover so they can withdraw from bright light. Don’t shine direct light into the tank because this will stress them. The best time to watch them is at dusk, and it’s fascinating to see them go about their lives.
6. Bichirs Thrive with Other Fish
Saddled Bichirs are a semi-aggressive species that do best with other large fish that can hold their own. These can include similarly sized cichlids and catfish. You can put them in a large community tank, but avoid mixing them with smaller fish. The Bichir is an effective predator and will eat them.
7. Keep a Secure Aquarium Lid
Owners should take care when keeping Saddled Bichir because they’re excellent at escaping tanks. These fish are bottom feeders, but they possess a mighty leap and will escape from unsecured aquariums. It’s crucial to secure the lid tightly to prevent them from jumping onto the floor. Also, this will protect them from other pets like opportunistic cats, dogs, or even curious young children. Fish jump out of tanks because of poor water quality or because they feel threatened by potential predators. Situate your Bichir’s tank in a safe area and keep the water clean to reduce the risk of escape.
8. Maintain Proper Parameters to Prevent Health Issues
Bichirs are susceptible to a range of fish-specific health problems. Let’s analyze a few now:
- Neoplasia. This is the abnormal growth of cells in fish and usually causes tumors. These tumors can be benign or malignant. They are increasingly common in ornamental fish; however, experts remain uncertain why.
- Spinal deformities. Saddled Bichirs may suffer physical deformities from poor breeding. Incompatible genetics can lead to problems that affect their swimming abilities, which also impacts their ability to eat. Fish with impaired mobility will have problems competing for food with aggressive tankmates and could suffer malnutrition.
- Stress. Changing water parameters can stress your Saddled Bichir. The pH level is particularly important because this can seriously impact their health. Stress often triggers dormant problems like marine ich, so try to keep your fish happy!
