Senegal Bichir

Senegal Bichir

Polypterus senegalus

Also known as: Dinosaur Bichir, Gray Bichir, Cuvier's Bichir

💧 Freshwater ⚡ Semi-aggressive 🟡 Moderate 🥩 Carnivore

A prehistoric-looking fish with external lung-like organs that can breathe air. One of the most beginner-friendly bichir species.

Tank Size

55 gal
minimum (75+ preferred)

Temperature

75–82°F
24–28°C

pH Range

6.2–7.8
water acidity

Max Size

12"
30.5 cm

Lifespan

15–20 years
typical in captivity

Swim Level

Bottom
preferred zone

Care Notes

Needs a tight lid — they can escape through small gaps. Nocturnal hunter with poor eyesight. Sand substrate preferred to protect their belly. Can breathe air so survives low-oxygen conditions.

Feeding

Sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, shrimp, and small feeder fish. Feed at night for best results.

Compatible Tank Mates

None identified.

Use Caution With

Angelfish 6" Discus 8" Firemouth Cichlid 6" Severum 8" Blood Parrot Cichlid 8" Electric Blue Acara 6" Blue Acara 6" Rainbow Cichlid 5" Geophagus Tapajos Red Head 7" Chocolate Cichlid 10" Festivum Cichlid 6" Uaru 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 Senegal Bichir is compatible with a specific fish? Use our compatibility checker to build your complete tank.