Polypterus bichir Care Guide

Polypterus bichir is the Nile bichir, the largest commonly kept bichir and an obligate air-breather requiring a very large tank.

Overview

Polypterus bichir, the Nile bichir, was described by Lacépède in 1803. It is the largest bichir commonly kept by aquarists and is distributed from the Nile River through the Congo Basin to West African countries such as Senegal. Its body is dark grey above with darker vertical markings and bands on the flank.

Taxonomy

Family: Polypteridae
Genus: Polypterus
Scientific name: Polypterus bichir
Described by: Lacépède, 1803
Common name: Nile Bichir

Habitat

According to Wikipedia, the species lives in the deeper depressions of muddy riverbeds and hunts in vegetated shallows, travelling mostly at night. In poorly oxygenated water it is an obligate air-breather and can drown without access to the surface.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 1000 L
Maximum size: up to about 75 cm body length (excluding caudal fin); KB range 70-90 cm
Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
pH: 6.5-7.8
GH: 5-20 °dGH
Lifespan: 15-30 years
Surface access and a secured lid are both essential

Diet

According to Wikipedia, Polypterus bichir uses suction-feeding to capture prey and hunts aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, fish and amphibians, eating fish up to half its own size.

Compatibility

The species is semi-aggressive and bottom-dwelling. It is best kept alone or with large catfish; smaller fish are at risk of being eaten.

Breeding

Breeding is rated advanced and is uncommon in home aquaria.

Conservation status

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (reassessed 2020).