Conservation of dinosaurs (Bichirs) in tropical freshwater fish tanks or aquariums

Dill dinosaur

Dinosaur eel is the common name for bichir gray, Polifter Senegal , although it is a fish, not an eel. There are more than a dozen species of this fish, but Gray Bichir or Senegalus Bichir are the most common and popular among aquarists. This Bichir is covered with dark gray horizontal stripes that become paler as the fish grows. Some bikhirs can reach more than three feet in length, despite the fact that most species, including Senegalus Bišir, grow by about one foot.

Natural habitat

In their native habitat, they can be found in lakes, rivers, floodplains and marshes in Africa, especially in the Congo and Nile rivers. They are able to survive in low-oxygen waters and can move in search of food or find other wet areas in their home dry during the passage.

Characteristics

The wrong dinosaur word (hereinafter referred to as "Bishir") comes from the prehistoric species of this elongated fish. Its serpentine body is covered with thick bone-like scales made of an enamel-like substance called ganoin, which resembles the now extinct early ray fishes. It has a clear series of up to 18 dorsal fins, each of which has a sharp spine, which is identified when it is agitated. The flat pectoral fins, which control the slow movement of the fish, are attached behind and below the gill openings. He is also able to travel the earth using his strong pelvic fins. Bichirs can also breathe air through a light modification in their floating bladder. Other characteristics include a pair of openings, a long mandible and external nostrils that protrude from the nose to allow Bichir to hunt for the smell, because his eyesight is poor. Females tend to be larger than males, while adult males have thicker dorsal spines and wider anal fins.

Diet

Bichirs are predatory and, in fact, carnivorous, will attack and feed small fish that are easy to swallow, as well as slow-moving fish. They will also eat insects, crustaceans and frogs. Since they are nocturnal, they will feed mostly at night.

breeding

After a series of energetic twisting movements of the male, Byshir fertilizes the eggs, enveloping the female genital opening with its anal and tail fin. Then he scatters eggs, using the exhausting movements of his tail. However, it is difficult to make bichirov multiply in captivity. Some aquarists point out that even if a man and a woman are present, a man often does not respond and will not fertilize the eggs that women produce.

Aquarium size

Due to the fact that the length of the Bichirs grows and they need to breathe air, it is important that they be placed in long aquariums with aquariums that were not too deep, perhaps even a table for fish tanks. Aim for an aquarium that is at least three times the size of the adult Bichir you have or plan to purchase. Choose aquariums aquarium aquarium depth of no more than eighteen inches and do not completely fill with water. This is important because bichirs must be able to breathe from the air and therefore must be able to quickly swim to the surface and back to the bottom where they sit.

The ability to use oxygen from the air allows Bichir to survive from the water for several hours. Given this and the fact that they have the instinct to move from one place looking for food in another, it is recommended to have a tight-fitting lid on your tank!

Aquarian decor

A thin layer of soft sand or gravel is excellent as a substrate. Bichirs also like shelters, especially since they prefer to stay out of the light during the day. Thus, it is much more pleasant for them to have reliable plants, rocks and tunnels that allow them to exhibit more natural behavior. Plants attached to a tree work best because Bichirs tend to force out the plants embedded in the basement because of their size and when they search for food.

Water conditions

Since they are tropical fresh fish, Bichirs require temperatures of between 75 and 85 F. They love pH 7 or a little lower and prefer some water. Of course, it is important to make frequent changes in the water so that the quality of the water is good in your tropical freshwater aquariums.

Aquarium Lighting

Bihira night, so they will usually be lethargic during the day and active at night. Instead of turning off the aquarium lighting completely, ensure the natural twilight is visible by installing a blue moon lamp so you can also experience some action from your Bichir!

supply

Being carnivorous, Bichirs love to feed baitfish, mussels, shrimp and moths. They will also easily accept frozen foods. Some aquarists tried to encourage them to take dry foods, only by supplying them until their hunger defeated them, and found that they could adapt in order. However, I would say that this is not their natural diet.

Tank assistants

Given the large size of the Bichirs and their predatory nature, it is extremely important to compare them with suitable tank helpers. Do not keep them with fish less than three inches, which can provide a ready meal! It is better to match the Bichirs with the larger fish, as they will not worry as much as the fish they cannot swallow. Siamese tigerfish, angels, large spines, cichlids and knives can be tank assistants. It has been observed that sucking catfish, as a rule, sucks the skin of Bichirs, which irritates them, and therefore it is not recommended to store both types of bottom fish. Also avoid matching them with overly aggressive species. In a very large aquarium it will be possible to keep several bikhirs together, provided that they are approximately the same size. They should generally tolerate each other, except the struggle for food!

Save or not store?

Bichirs are interesting specimen fishes, but keep in mind all the problems associated with their preservation, especially the size of the tank and other tropical freshwater fish that you have or plan to have. Bichirs also cost more than other fish, although they are very hardy breeds. Keeping Bichirs in a suitable environment requires careful planning!