Ornate Bichir

Ornate Bichir

Polypterus ornatipinnis

Also known as: Ornate Polypterus

💧 Freshwater ⚡ Semi-aggressive 🟡 Moderate 🥩 Carnivore

The most beautifully patterned bichir species, with intricate black and yellow marbling across the body and fins. Larger and more striking than the Senegal Bichir.

Tank Size

75 gal
minimum (125+ preferred)

Temperature

75–82°F
24–28°C

pH Range

6.2–7.8
water acidity

Max Size

18"
45.7 cm

Lifespan

15–20 years
typical in captivity

Swim Level

Bottom
preferred zone

Care Notes

Needs a tight-fitting lid and sand substrate. More aggressive than Senegal Bichirs when hungry. Provide hiding spots with driftwood and caves.

Feeding

Frozen shrimp, bloodworms, earthworms, sinking carnivore pellets, and occasional feeder fish.

Compatible Tank Mates

None identified.

Use Caution With

Discus 8" Severum 8" Blood Parrot Cichlid 8" Chocolate Cichlid 10" Uaru 10" Nicaraguan Cichlid 10" Threadfin Acara 8" Altifrons Eartheater 10" Electric Blue Jack Dempsey 8" Frontosa 14" Blue Dolphin Cichlid 10" Star Sapphire Cichlid 10"

Incompatible With

Neon Tetra 1.5" Cardinal Tetra 2" Rummy Nose Tetra 2" Ember Tetra 0.8" Black Skirt Tetra 2.5" Serpae Tetra 1.75" Congo Tetra 3.5" Glowlight Tetra 1.5" Harlequin Rasbora 2" Chili Rasbora 0.7" Celestial Pearl Danio 1" Zebra Danio 2"

Check Compatibility

Want to check if Ornate Bichir is compatible with a specific fish? Use our compatibility checker to build your complete tank.