Senegal Bichir

Senegal Bichir (Polypterus Senegalus)

The Senegal Bichir stands out in any fresh aquarium with its intriguing, elongated body and subtle, grayish-brown hues. Its unique appearance and fascinating swimming habits make it an interesting choice for aquarists seeking variety.

The Senegal Bichir grows to an average size of 14 inches, requiring spacious accommodations with plenty of swimming areas and hiding spots, such as rocks and crevices. It generally tolerates other large, semi-aggressive species well. However, smaller fish are at risk of being viewed as prey, and overly aggressive tank mates may stress the Bichir.

Being a carnivorous and nocturnal species, the Senegal Bichir is inclined to feed in low-light conditions, using its well-developed sense of smell to locate food. Its diet should consist of a variety of meaty foods, including live or frozen bloodworms, shrimp, and small fish. Although some may accept commercial meaty pellets and wafers, live or frozen foods are recommended. The feeding schedule should be once or twice daily, with the amount tailored to what they can consume within 5 minutes.

Senegal Bichirs appreciate a dimly-lit aquarium setup with ample vegetation or driftwood to create shaded areas, along with hiding spots like caves and a soft substrate to mimic riverbed conditions. For these fish, an aquarium with a focus on depth and length is beneficial, ideally with a minimum footprint of 6 x 2 feet.

The Senegal Bichir can breathe atmospheric air using its lung-like swim bladder, making an aquarium of at least 75 gallons, with access to the water’s surface, essential. Optimal water conditions include a pH of 6.2 to 7.8, hardness of 5-20 dGH, and a temperature range of 72-82°F (22-28°C).

Finally, remember to secure the aquarium with a tight-fitting cover, as these creatures are known for their escape attempts.

To learn more about this fish, be sure to check out the Additional Information tab.