You might have seen gourami and bichir swimming together in tanks at your local fish store and thought to yourself, can these two different species live together?
The answer is yes, gourami and bichir can live together! In fact, they make for a really interesting and unique tank setup.
Here’s everything you need to know about keeping gourami and bichir together…
Gourami and Bichir Overview
These two fish come from different parts of the world and have very different appearances.
Gourami is native to Southeast Asia and comes in a variety of colors and patterns. They range in size from 2.5-12 inches (6.4-30.5 cm).
Bichir, on the other hand, is native to Africa and looks like a cross between a fish and an eel. They can grow to be up to 24 inches (61 cm) long!
Despite their differences, these two fish can actually make for a really fun and interesting tank setup. Here’s what you need to know…
Compatibility
Gourami and bichir are both relatively peaceful fish, so they get along well together. In fact, they can even help keep each other’s tank mates in check!
The biggest thing to watch out for is that bichir can be territorial with each other, so it’s best to keep only one per tank. Otherwise, you might see them fighting with each other.
Gourami are also known to be nippy, so it’s best to keep them with fish that are too big to fit in their mouths. Bichir makes good tank mates for gourami because they’re too large to be eaten by them.
Care
Gourami and bichir are both relatively easy to care for, although bichir does require a bit more care than gourami.
Both fish prefer tanks with plenty of hiding places and plants. Bichir also likes to have a sandy substrate so they can burrow into it when they feel stressed or threatened.
Gourami is known to be sensitive to water quality, so it’s important to keep an eye on your tank’s parameters and do regular water changes. Bichir is much more tolerant of poor water quality, so they can be a good addition to a less-than-perfect tank.
Feeding
Both gourami and bichir are omnivores, so they should be fed a variety of foods including pellets, flakes, live food, and frozen food.
It’s best to feed them small meals a few times a day rather than one large meal. This helps prevent water quality issues and also helps ensure that all of the fish in the tank is getting enough to eat.
Breeding
Breeding gourami and bichir can be a bit challenging since they come from different parts of the world and have different care requirements.
If you’re interested in breeding these fish, it’s best to do your research ahead of time and make sure you have everything you need. You might also want to consult with a professional breeder to increase your chances of success.
Conclusion
Gourami and bichir make for a fun and interesting tank setup. These two peaceful fish get along well together and can even help keep each other’s tank mates in check.
Just be sure to provide plenty of hiding places and plants, and to feed them small meals a few times a day. If you do, you’ll have a happy and healthy tank of gourami and bichir!