Bichir
Polypterus senegalus · Polypteridae
Also known as Senegal bichir, Dinosaur eel
Intermediate
A prehistoric-looking air-breather that hunts at night; hardy but a determined escape artist.
In short: A bichir needs at least 300 L (79 US gal), water at 24–29 °C (75–84 °F) and pH 6.5–8. It is semi-aggressive, usually kept singly, and rated intermediate to keep.
Updated
- Minimum tank
- 300 L (79 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–29 °C (75–84 °F)
- pH
- 6.5–8
- Adult size
- 35 cm (13.8 in)
- Group size
- 1+
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 300 L (79 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–29 °C (75–84 °F)
- pH
- 6.5–8
- Hardness
- 4–22 dGH
- Lifespan
- 10–20 years
- Diet
- Carnivore — frozen prawn, mussel, earthworm, sinking carnivore pellets.
- Care level
- Intermediate
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- West and Central Africa
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Biotope
- Muddy, weedy river margins
- Natural conditions
- Long footprint, sand, caves, a tight lid and a gap of air to breathe.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Minimum group
- 1 fish
- Swims
- Bottom
- Good tank mates
- Large characinsBig cichlidsLarge plecos
- Avoid
- Small fishOpen-topped tanks
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Advanced
- Sexing
- Males have a broader, thicker anal fin.
- Notes
- Rarely spawned in captivity.
- Common ailments
- Escaping the tankInternal parasitesIch
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