Can bichirs live with apistogramma?

Verdict
No

No. Bichirs and apistogramma should not share a tank. An adult bichir eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 3 inches apistogramma do.

BichirBichir72–82°F · pH 6.5–7.5 ApistogrammaApistogramma75–84°F · pH 5–7

What to watch

What works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 75–82°Bichir 72–82°Apistogramma 75–84°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7Bichir 6.5–7.5Apistogramma 5–7
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Bichir · 12 inApistogramma · 3 in0"2"4"6"8"10"12"
Adult length in an aquarium. A fish can swallow anything that fits in its mouth, roughly a third to half its own length for predators.

Care at a glance

BichirApistogramma
Temperature72–82 °F75–84 °F
pH6.5–7.55–7
Adult size12.0 in3.0 in
Minimum tank75 gal20 gal
TemperamentSemi-aggressiveSemi-aggressive
Swims atBottomBottom
GroupAlone or in pairsAlone or in pairs
DietCarnivoreCarnivore

Better tank mates for bichirs

All bichir tank mates

Better tank mates for apistogramma

All apistogramma tank mates

Questions

Can bichirs live with apistogramma?

No. Bichirs and apistogramma should not share a tank. An adult bichir eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 3 inches apistogramma do.

What temperature suits both bichirs and apistogramma?

75–82 °F. Bichirs need 72–82 °F, apistogramma need 75–84 °F.

What size tank do bichirs and apistogramma need together?

At least 75 gal, set by the bichir. Add space for each extra fish.