Polypterus ornatipinnis Care Guide
Polypterus ornatipinnis is the largest of the upper-jaw bichirs, an air-breathing Congo predator with bold black-and-yellow patterning.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Polypterus ornatipinnis, the ornate bichir, was described by Boulenger in 1902. It is the largest of the "upper jaw bichirs" and is found in Lake Tanganyika and the Congo River basin in Central and East Africa, including the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tanzania.
Taxonomy
- Family: Polypteridae
- Genus: Polypterus
- Scientific name: Polypterus ornatipinnis
- Described by: Boulenger, 1902
- Common name: Ornate Bichir
Habitat
According to Wikipedia, the species occurs in Lake Tanganyika and the Congo basin. It possesses a primitive pair of lungs that allow it to breathe air in hypoxic waters and even survive out of water for extended periods. Its body bears black and yellow patterning and carries 9 to 11 dorsal spines.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 600 L
- Maximum size: up to 60 cm (24 in)
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.8
- GH: 5-20 °dGH
- Lifespan: 15-25 years
- A tight, secured lid is essential as bichirs jump
Diet
Polypterus ornatipinnis is a carnivore. Like other bichirs it hunts by smell and takes meaty foods such as fish, worms and shrimp in the aquarium.
Compatibility
The species is semi-aggressive and bottom-dwelling. It suits robust tankmates such as larger catfish and big cichlids, but 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.
Polypterus ornatipinnis Breeding Guide
Overview
Polypterus ornatipinnis, the ornate bichir, is found in the Congo River basin in Central and East Africa, including the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tanzania, in the calm waters of swamps and rivers. It is the largest of the 'upper jaw bichirs', reaching 60 cm, and has a primitive pair of lungs that let it breathe air in hypoxic water and even survive out of water for extended periods.
Conditioning
Young fish feed on worms and insect larvae, while adults take larger food, mainly fish. The species mainly hunts at night and is generally solitary, so a varied carnivorous diet offered after dark suits its natural behaviour.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
The male begins and is the active partner in courtship. He forms a sort of cup with his anal fin into which the female lays the eggs; the eggs are then spread and attach to plants. In bichirs generally, the female lays from 100 to 300 eggs over a few days with subsequent fertilization by the male.
Breeding Setup
- Temperature: 26-28 C
- Habitat reference: calm waters of swamps and rivers in the Congo basin
- Provide fine-leaved plants for the eggs to attach to
- Adult size up to 60 cm TL
Egg & Fry Care
After the eggs are spread onto plants there is no documented further parental care in the consulted sources. Larval rearing details specific to this species are not provided and are omitted.
Common Challenges
Reliable home spawning is the principal difficulty, and the species' large adult size demands a correspondingly large, securely covered tank because bichirs readily climb and escape.