Bichir Care Guide (Polypterus)

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Introduction

Bichirs (Polypterus sp.) are living fossils from Africa — primitive ray-finned fish with characteristics of 400-million-year-old ancestors, including a pair of primitive lungs that allow them to breathe atmospheric air. Their dinosaur-like appearance, with dorsal finlets and armour-like scales, makes them instantly recognisable. Despite their prehistoric looks, bichirs are relatively hardy and adaptable, making them an excellent choice for the intermediate aquarist building a large predatory setup.

The Mokelembembe Bichir (Polypterus mokelembembe) is a smaller, rarer species reaching around 35 cm, making it more manageable than giants like P. endlicheri.

Tank Setup

• Tank size: 4 x 2 ft for small/medium species; 6 x 2 ft for larger species.
• Substrate: Fine sand is ideal — bichirs like to lie partially buried.
• Hiding spots: PVC pipe sections, large pieces of driftwood and clay pots give security. A bichir without hiding spots will be perpetually stressed.
• Lighting: Low to moderate. Bichirs are primarily nocturnal.
• Lid: Essential. Bichirs can climb out of a tank using their pectoral fins and will explore any gap, especially at night.

Air Breathing

Bichirs must access the water surface regularly to gulp air. Never block surface access. A bichir prevented from surfacing will drown. Ensure the water level is not so high that the fish cannot easily reach the surface.

Water Parameters

Temperature: 26-28 C. pH: 6.5-7.5. Hardness: 5-15 dGH. Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm. Nitrate below 40 ppm with weekly 25-30% water changes. Avoid strong surface agitation — bichirs prefer calm water near the bottom.

Feeding

Bichirs are carnivorous predators hunting primarily by scent at night. Feed: earthworms, raw prawns, mussel and squid, sinking carnivore pellets, and frozen bloodworm. Feed in the evening near their hiding spot. Once or twice per week is adequate for adults.

Tankmates

Bichirs are largely peaceful toward fish too large to swallow. They are excellent tankmates for large cichlids, silver dollars, stingrays and arowana (once large enough). Multiple bichirs can be kept together in sufficiently large tanks. Avoid fin-nipping species.