Armored bichir

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Polypterus species

• Common Name: Armored Bichir

• Family: Polypteridae

• Adult Size: 12–30 inches (30–75 cm), depending on species

• Life Expectancy: 10–20 years or more with proper care

• Natural Habitat:

  • Native to freshwater rivers, lakes, and swamps of Africa.

  • Commonly found in slow-moving, oxygen-rich waters.

  • Prefer muddy or sandy bottoms with hiding places and submerged roots.

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons (larger species require 125–180+ gallons).

• Ideal Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C).

• pH Range: 6.0–8.0.

• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard.

• Temperament: Generally peaceful with fish too large to swallow, but predatory towards smaller fish.

Important:

• Keep with appropriately sized tank mates.

• Provide caves, driftwood, and shaded hiding areas.

• A secure aquarium lid is essential, as Bichirs are excellent escape artists.

• They must have access to the water surface to breathe atmospheric air.

Diet & Nutrition

Carnivorous, requiring a protein-rich diet:

• High-quality sinking carnivore pellets.

• Frozen shrimp and prawns.

• Bloodworms and earthworms.

• Chopped fish and other meaty foods.

• Feed once daily or several times weekly depending on age and body condition.

Breeding & Spawning

• Egg scatterers during breeding.

• Breeding generally requires specific seasonal environmental conditions.

• Eggs are deposited among aquatic vegetation.

• Parents do not provide extensive parental care.

• Captive breeding can be challenging.

Appearance

• Elongated, cylindrical body with a prehistoric appearance.

• Thick, armored scales known as ganoid scales.

• Multiple small dorsal finlets along the back.

• Broad pectoral fins and a powerful tail.

• Coloration varies from olive, brown, grey, and black to patterned or albino varieties.

Distinctive Features

• Often called a Living Dinosaur because of its ancient evolutionary lineage.

• Possesses primitive lungs that allow it to breathe atmospheric air.

• Can survive in low-oxygen environments.

• A fascinating bottom-dwelling predator with unique hunting behavior.

• Highly popular among monster-fish and exotic aquarium enthusiasts.

FIORA AQUATICS – Product Highlight:

The Armored Bichir is a fascinating prehistoric-looking freshwater predator, admired for its unique body structure, hardy nature, and distinctive swimming behavior. A spectacular addition to a large predator aquarium.

Note: Exact adult size and tank requirements depend on the particular Bichir species, such as Delhezi, Endlicheri, or Senegalus.