Bichir (Polypterus senegalus)

The Bichir is a fascinating and ancient fish species that has been around for over 200 million years. Known for its elongated, eel-like body, this species is often referred to as a “dinosaur eel,” although it is not a true eel. Bichirs are highly adaptable and incredibly hardy, making them a favorite among aquarists who enjoy keeping unique and unusual fish. One of their most remarkable traits is their ability to breathe atmospheric air using a modified swim bladder, allowing them to survive in low-oxygen environments and even remain out of water for short periods as long as they stay moist.

Tank Setup & Behavior

Bichirs are primarily nocturnal but will often become more active during the day once they feel comfortable in their environment. A well-decorated aquarium with plenty of driftwood, rocks, and hiding spots will help them feel secure. While not particularly aggressive, they are opportunistic predators and will eat any fish or invertebrate small enough to fit in their mouth. However, they generally ignore tankmates that are too large to be considered food.

When housed together, adult bichirs may sometimes show territorial behavior, but they are just as likely to share hiding places peacefully. Due to their size and activity level, a spacious tank with a large footprint is essential, along with strong filtration. These fish are excellent jumpers and are known to leave the water, so a tight-fitting lid is necessary to prevent escapes. They also need access to the water’s surface to breathe.

Diet & Nutrition

Feeding a Bichir is easy, as it will readily accept a wide variety of high-quality live, frozen, and dry foods. Since they are carnivorous, they require a protein-rich diet to maintain their health and longevity. Offering a mix of different food types will ensure they receive balanced nutrition.

Why Choose a Bichir?

• Unique, prehistoric appearance
• Extremely hardy and adaptable
• Easy to feed and care for
• Can coexist with similarly sized fish
• Does not eat or damage plants

Tank & Water Requirements:

• Temperature: 75 – 82F (24 – 28C)
• pH Range: 6.2 – 7.8
• KH: 5 – 20 dKH
• Minimum Tank Size: 90+ gallons

Care Guidelines:

• Diet: Carnivorous requires a varied diet of meaty live, frozen, and dry foods
• Social Behavior: Generally solitary but peaceful with tankmates too large to be eaten
• Origin: Tank-bred, but naturally found throughout Africa
• Adult Size: Can grow up to 20 inches (51 cm), though it typically stays smaller in aquariums
• Juvenile Size at Purchase: Around 2 – 3 inches (5 – 7.5 cm)

Bichirs are an excellent choice for aquarists looking for a hardy, low-maintenance, and truly unique fish that adds an ancient touch to their aquarium!