I have two in my 29T planted tank in the classroom. Here's a few things I have found about them:
1. Will eat ANY small fish/dead fish that's under 3" (except for my troup of Cories - go figure)
2. If no fish/dead fish are available - they prefer shrimp pellets.
3. Will survive and thrive in water temps from 68-90F (Yep!)
4. Do not need highly oxygenated water - are lung breathers.
5. Do well with decent sized Crayfish - after they realize that they're 'armed'
6. Like a LOT of cover! Plants, rocks, etc.
7. Like medium hardness and pH 7-7.6.
8. Prefer an area that they can 'lounge' on near the surface when they feel like it.
9. I've heard that they're escape artists. They can survive for long periods of time out of water if kept moist - since they breath air.
10. Very personable - and perhaps the toughest fish you'll ever meet.
I throw feeder guppies/minnows in a couple times a month. I'm currently raising two young Blue Dempseys to a big enough size so that they can join them. I'd recommend larger semi-aggressive tank mates like the cichlids, although I don't think they'd mess with a big comet gold fish. Don't put anything with big fins in with them (so fancy goldfish and male bettas are totally out)
I've heard they can live for 20 years. So they are a long-term responsibility.
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