Can Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) and Finger Fish Live Together?

Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) is a moderately assertive species (6/10), while Finger Fish is moderately assertive (5/10). This modest difference means Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) may occasionally assert dominance over Finger Fish.

In terms of spatial distribution, Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) prefers the Bottom (Substrate) zone, whereas Finger Fish occupies the Middle (Open Water) zone. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.

Worth noting: Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters. Also, Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.5 and 8. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 12–20 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Crucially, these species require different water types — one needs freshwater while the other requires brackish conditions. This is a hard barrier to keeping them together.

To house Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) and Finger Fish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 470 litres with a minimum length of 150 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Sand (Sifters), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with low (still water) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) and Finger Fish are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.