Polypterus Delhezi Royal Tiger

Common Names:

• Royal Tiger Bichir
• Armored Bichir
• Banded Bichir

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Polypterus delhezi
• Origin: Congo River Basin, Central Africa
• Size: 30–40 cm (12–16 inches)
• Lifespan: 10–15 years or more
• Temperament: Peaceful predator
• Difficulty Level: Moderate

Appearance

The Royal Tiger Bichir is famous for its:

• Beautiful tiger-like vertical bands
• Long eel-shaped body
• Primitive “dinosaur-like” appearance
• Armored scales called ganoid scales
• Multiple dorsal finlets along the back

Juveniles usually show brighter and sharper banding patterns.

Tank Requirements

Important:

• Requires a secure lid because bichirs are powerful escape artists.
• Prefers calm environments with hiding places.
• Soft substrate helps prevent injury while bottom roaming.

Behavior

• Mostly nocturnal
• Calm but predatory
• Spends time resting on the bottom
• Uses lungs to breathe atmospheric air

Despite their predator nature, they are generally peaceful toward similarly sized fish.

Diet & Nutrition

Carnivorous diet includes:

• Earthworms
• Shrimp
• Mussels
• Fish fillets
• Sinking carnivore pellets
• Frozen bloodworms

Feed mainly during evening or nighttime for best activity.

Tank Mates

Suitable tank mates:

• Large peaceful cichlids
• Silver dollars
• Larger catfish
• Other bichirs of similar size

Avoid:

• Small fish that fit in its mouth
• Fin-nipping species
• Extremely aggressive tank mates

Breeding

Breeding in home aquariums is very rare.

• Egg scatterers
• Males develop thicker anal fins during breeding condition
• Most specimens in the trade are farm-raised or wild collected

Special Notes

• One of the most popular bichir species in the aquarium hobby
• Can survive in low oxygen environments due to primitive lungs
• Has very poor eyesight but excellent sense of smell