Can Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) and Tire Track Eel Live Together?

Possible with Caution

Keeping Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) and Tire Track Eel together is possible but requires caution, though some care is needed. Provide a spacious tank of at least 680 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir)

Polypterus delhezi

Tire Track Eel

Mastacembelus armatus

🐟Family Group
Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir)
Oddballs
Tire Track Eel
Oddballs
Temperament
Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir)
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Tire Track Eel
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir)
24–30°C
Tire Track Eel
22–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir)
6–8
Tire Track Eel
6.5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir)
5–20
Tire Track Eel
5–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir)
Freshwater Only
Tire Track Eel
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir)
Low
Tire Track Eel
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 680 L
Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir)
280 L
Tire Track Eel
680 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir)
Bottom
Tire Track Eel
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir)
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterJumper (Lid Required)Nocturnal
Tire Track Eel
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Jumper (Lid Required)NocturnalAggressive to same species/look-alikes
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) and Tire Track Eel?

Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.

Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir)
Tire Track Eel
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) and Tire Track Eel are moderately assertive species with an aggression score of 6/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) and Tire Track Eel both frequent the Bottom (Substrate) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

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.

Water Parameters

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 6.5 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 5–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) and Tire Track Eel together, plan for an aquarium of at least 680 litres with a minimum length of 180 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

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.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) and Tire Track Eel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) and Tire Track Eel live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 680 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) and Tire Track Eel need?

A minimum of 680 litres (tank length at least 180 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.

What water temperature is best for Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) and Tire Track Eel together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 28°C. A target of around 26.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) or Tire Track Eel aggressive?

Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) is moderately assertive (6/10) and Tire Track Eel is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) and Tire Track Eel need?

Both species overlap in the 6.5–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Does Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) is most active after lights-out, which naturally reduces daytime encounters with its tank mate. This can actually be beneficial, as both fish get undisturbed time to feed and explore. Just ensure food reaches Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) during evening hours.


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