--- type: species title: "Senegal Bichir Care Guide: Tank Setup, Diet & Tank Mates" slug: "senegal-bichir" category: "freshwater" scientificName: "Polypterus senegalus" subcategory: "Bichir" lastUpdated: "2026-04-24" readingTime: 10 url: https://www.fishstores.org/species/senegal-bichir --- # Senegal Bichir Care Guide: Tank Setup, Diet & Tank Mates *Polypterus senegalus* Learn how to care for a Senegal Bichir — tank size, water parameters, feeding, tank mates, and what to look for when buying. The Senegal Bichir (*Polypterus senegalus*) is a 12-14 inch prehistoric-looking fish from the floodplains of West and Central Africa, and it is one of the few aquarium species that genuinely deserves the word "dinosaur." Bichirs predate most modern bony fish by 100+ million years, breathe air directly from the surface using a primitive lung, and look like an eel that decided to grow legs. They are also escape artists, obligate predators, and ruthless about anything small enough to fit in their mouths. If those three things are dealbreakers, pick a different species. If not, this is one of the most rewarding oddball fish a freshwater hobbyist can keep. ## Species Overview Senegal Bichirs — sometimes sold as "Cuvier's Bichir" or simply "dinosaur bichir" — are the most commonly available species in the genus *Polypterus*. They are hardy, long-lived, and forgiving of beginner mistakes, which makes them an unusual entry point into predatory fishkeeping. The species was first described in 1829 and has been in the aquarium trade for decades, with both wild-collected and captive-bred stock circulating today. | Field | Value | | ----------- | ----------------------------------------------- | | Adult size | 12-14 in (30-36 cm) | | Lifespan | 10-15+ years | | Min tank | 75 gallons | | Temperament | Predatory, peaceful with size-appropriate mates | | Difficulty | Beginner (for a predator) | | Diet | Strict carnivore | ### Natural Habitat & Origin Senegal Bichirs originate from the Nile basin and the slow-moving floodplains, swamps, and oxygen-poor backwaters of West and Central Africa. Their native range stretches across Senegal, Gambia, Nigeria, Sudan, and the Congo basin — wherever shallow, warm, vegetation-choked water meets seasonal flooding. Wild bichirs thrive in conditions that would kill most fish: dissolved oxygen often drops below 2 ppm in the dry season, and the water can stagnate for months at a time. This explains the species' most famous adaptation. Bichirs evolved a paired, lung-like modified swim bladder that allows them to breathe atmospheric air directly. In poorly oxygenated swamps, this is the only way to survive — and it is why a Senegal Bichir in your home tank still surfaces every few minutes for a gulp of air, even with perfect filtration. ### Appearance & Size The standard wild-type Senegal Bichir is a uniform olive-gray to tan-brown along the body, with subtle dark mottling along the back and flanks. The body is elongated and slightly serpentine — eel-like in profile, but rigid where an eel is fluid. The dorsal fin is broken into a row of 8-12 distinct, finlet-like spines (the "polypterus" name literally means "many-finned"). Pectoral fins are paddle-shaped and lobed, set on a fleshy base that the fish uses to "walk" along the substrate. Albino Senegal Bichirs — pink-white bodies with red eyes — are the other common morph in the trade and command a modest premium. Both morphs reach the same adult size of 12-14 inches, with exceptional specimens approaching 15 inches under ideal conditions. Captive-bred fish often top out closer to 12 inches; wild-caught animals sometimes grow larger. Sexing is difficult until maturity. Adult males develop a noticeably broader, thicker anal fin used to cup the female's eggs during spawning. Females are slightly bulkier, particularly when gravid, but body size alone is not a reliable sex indicator. ### Lifespan & Behavior A well-cared-for Senegal Bichir lives 10-15 years in captivity, with some documented specimens passing 20 years. They are nocturnal — active from dusk through the early morning hours — and spend most daylight hours tucked into caves, under driftwood, or buried in soft substrate with only the head exposed. Tank lighting should be dim or filtered; plant cover and shaded zones are not optional decoration but a real welfare requirement. Bichirs are obligate air-breathers. Unlike labyrinth fish (gouramis, bettas) that supplement gill respiration with surface air, a Senegal Bichir cannot survive on dissolved oxygen alone — it must reach the surface to breathe. Block surface access for more than a few hours and the fish will drown. This is why the lid setup matters in two directions: tight enough to prevent escape, but with adequate air gap above the waterline so the fish can break the surface. > **Bichirs are escape artists — a tight lid is non-negotiable** > > A Senegal Bichir can squeeze through a 3/8-inch gap. They use their lobed pectoral fins to climb against the glass and push lids open. Every year experienced bichir keepers find their fish dried out on the floor behind a stand. Use a heavy glass canopy with no cutout gaps, weight any seams, and seal any opening larger than a pencil. If you keep them in an open-top tank, you have already made a mistake — buy the lid first. ## Water Parameters & Tank Requirements Bichirs are tolerant fish, but tolerance is not a license to ignore water quality. The species' wild habitat is warm, soft to moderately hard, and slightly acidic to neutral — recreate that and you will rarely have problems. ### Ideal Water Parameters Aim for 75-82°F (24-28°C), with most keepers settling around 78°F as a stable mid-range. Bichirs handle short-term excursions to 72°F or 84°F without obvious distress, but chronic temperatures outside the 75-82°F window slow growth and suppress immune function. Use a guarded heater rated 200 watts or more for a 75-gallon tank — adult bichirs can crack glass heaters by ramming them at night. For pH, anything in the 6.5-7.5 range works. The species is genuinely indifferent to specific pH numbers as long as the value is stable; do not chase a target value at the expense of stability. General hardness of 5-20 dGH covers nearly any municipal tap water without modification. The species' tolerance for low dissolved oxygen is famous, but it is not an excuse for neglected aeration. The bichir will breathe air to compensate, but the rest of the tank's bacteria, plants, and tank mates still need oxygenated water. Maintain at least one source of surface agitation. ### Minimum Tank Size & Footprint A 75-gallon tank (48" L x 18" W x 21" H) is the realistic minimum for one adult Senegal Bichir. A 55-gallon tank will technically house a single adult, but the 12-inch width of a standard 55-gallon means a fish nearly the length of the tank's narrow dimension cannot turn around comfortably. Long, low tanks are dramatically better than tall ones — bichirs are bottom-dwellers and use floor area, not vertical space. For a pair or a community with other large fish, jump to a 125-gallon (72" L x 18" W) or larger. See our breakdown of [aquarium dimensions](/guides/aquarium-dimensions) for why footprint and width matter more than total gallonage for elongated fish like bichirs. The lid is the other half of the equation. A weighted glass canopy with sealed gaps is mandatory. Bichirs will exploit any opening for filter cords, heater wires, or feeding doors — patch every gap with mesh or dense foam. ### Substrate & Décor Use soft sand substrate. Sharp-edged gravel cuts the fish's belly as it slides across the bottom and creates entry wounds for bacterial infections. Pool-filter sand or fine aquarium sand works well; avoid coarse coral substrate or jagged pebbles entirely. Aquascape with caves, large smooth rocks, driftwood, and broad-leaved plants. The fish needs at least one cave or covered hollow large enough to fully retreat into during the day. Anubias and java fern attached to driftwood survive bichir tanks well; rooted plants in the substrate get uprooted within a week. Floating plants like water lettuce or Amazon frogbit help diffuse the lighting and recreate the dim, cluttered conditions of a flooded forest floor. Keep lighting low. A standard LED on a 6-8 hour timer with floating plants overhead is plenty. Bright, full-spectrum reef lighting will keep your bichir in hiding 24 hours a day. ### Filtration & Water Flow Bichirs are messy carnivorous fish that produce heavy waste loads. Plan on filtration rated 5-7 times your tank volume per hour — for a 75-gallon tank, that is 400-525 gallons per hour minimum. A canister filter is the standard answer; a Fluval 407, Eheim 2217, or equivalent handles a 75-gallon bichir tank well. For 125+ gallon setups, run two canisters or a single oversized unit like a Fluval FX4. Keep the flow moderate. Bichirs are not strong swimmers and dislike high current. Position canister returns to create gentle horizontal flow rather than a torrent, and use a spray bar if your output is unidirectional. Perform 25-30% water changes weekly, every week. Bichirs tolerate poor water quality longer than most fish before showing symptoms, which is exactly what makes them dangerous to keep — by the time the fish looks unwell, the water has been bad for months. Test nitrate weekly and aim to keep it under 30 ppm at the end of each week. ## Diet & Feeding Senegal Bichirs are strict carnivores with poor eyesight and a strong sense of smell. They hunt by scent and lateral-line vibration, ambushing prey at the substrate. Captive feeding is straightforward as long as you respect their nocturnal schedule and slow feeding pace. ### What Senegal Bichirs Eat in the Wild Wild bichirs eat small fish, freshwater shrimp, aquatic insect larvae, worms, and small crustaceans. They are opportunistic ambush predators rather than active hunters — they wait in cover for prey to wander within striking distance, then lunge. Stomach content studies of wild specimens show a heavy bias toward soft-bodied prey, particularly worms and soft fish. ### Recommended Foods in Captivity The best captive diet rotates through several high-protein options: - **Carnivore-formulated sinking pellets:** Hikari Carnivore, Northfin Predator, or New Life Spectrum Large Fish Formula as a daily staple. Choose 6-10mm sinking pellets that reach the substrate quickly. - **Frozen meaty foods:** Bloodworms, krill, mysis shrimp, silversides, and chunks of raw shrimp or whitefish 2-3 times per week. - **Live earthworms and blackworms:** A favorite that triggers strong feeding response. Source from a clean supplier, never from your yard if you use any pesticides. Avoid live feeder goldfish and rosy red minnows. Feeder fish from chain-store tanks routinely carry ich, columnaris, and internal parasites — they are an efficient way to introduce disease. Goldfish flesh also contains thiaminase, an enzyme that destroys vitamin B1 and causes neurological problems over months of consumption. > **If it fits in the mouth, it is food** > > A 12-inch Senegal Bichir can swallow a 4-inch fish whole. Tetras, guppies, mollies, juvenile cichlids, and small shrimp are not tank mates — they are snacks. The fish does not distinguish between "feeder fish" you bought and "tank mates" you paid $30 for. Before adding any companion, measure both fish and ask: could the bichir swallow this in one bite at adult size? ### Feeding Schedule & Tips Feed in the evening or shortly after lights-out, when the bichir is naturally active and other tank mates are settling down. Juveniles up to 6 inches do well on daily feedings of small portions. Adults should be fed every other day or 3-4 times per week — they are slow-metabolism fish and easily become obese in captivity. Target-feed when housed with faster fish. Bichirs are slow eaters with poor vision; in a community tank, faster cichlids or tetras will steal pellets before the bichir locates them. A long feeding tube or tongs let you place food directly in front of the bichir's hiding spot, ensuring it actually eats. A healthy adult should look full and rounded along the belly without bulging. If the abdomen looks visibly swollen or the fish refuses food for more than a week, fast for 3-4 days and reassess water parameters before assuming illness. ## Tank Mates & Compatibility Bichirs are predatory but not territorially aggressive — they ignore anything they cannot eat and tolerate same-species housing better than most predatory fish. The compatibility question reduces to one rule: nothing small enough to be swallowed. ### Safe Tank Mates Compatible mates are large, peaceful or moderately territorial fish at least 4-5 inches at adulthood. Reliable options include large cichlids (Oscars, Severums, Geophagus, larger Acaras), clown loaches, common plecos, large gouramis, Silver Dollars, Bichirs of other species, and the closely related Rope Fish (Reedfish). The Black Ghost Knifefish is another popular nocturnal companion in 125+ gallon setups — see our [Black Ghost Knifefish care guide](/species/black-ghost-knifefish) for details on their specific needs. Aim for tank mates of similar size and temperament. A 75-gallon tank can comfortably house one adult Senegal Bichir and one or two compatible companions; a 125-gallon supports a small predator community. ### Fish to Avoid Skip anything under 4 inches at adult size — neon tetras, guppies, mollies, small barbs, dwarf cichlids, and all small ornamental shrimp. Avoid aggressive fin-nippers like tiger barbs, certain serpae tetras, or large danios that target the bichir's pectoral fins during the day when the slow-moving bichir cannot retaliate. Skip puffers entirely; their tooth structure is built for shredding fish. For a community-style tank, a Senegal Bichir is the wrong choice. Pick a different species — see our [freshwater fish overview](/guides/freshwater-fish) for community-friendly options. ### Keeping Multiple Bichirs Senegal Bichirs are one of the more social predator species and often do well in same-species pairs or groups, provided the tank is large enough. A 125-gallon tank supports 2-3 adult Senegals comfortably; a 180-gallon handles a small group of 3-5. Watch for feeding competition — dominant individuals can monopolize food and starve subordinates over months. Target-feed each fish during introduction and maintain the practice as needed. Mixing different *Polypterus* species (Senegal with Ornate, Delhezi, or Endlicheri) generally works, with the caveat that larger species like Endlicheri (which reach 24+ inches) eventually outgrow tank mates that fit the Senegal's mouth. ## Breeding Senegal Bichirs Captive breeding of Senegal Bichirs is uncommon outside dedicated breeders, though it is achievable in large aquariums with the right triggers. Most fish in the trade are wild-collected or pond-bred in commercial facilities. ### Sexing Bichirs Adult males develop a thickened, broader anal fin used to cup the female's eggs during fertilization. The difference is most obvious from above and becomes pronounced at maturity (around 8-10 inches body length). Females are typically rounder when gravid, with a fuller abdominal profile. Below sexual maturity, sexing is essentially impossible. ### Spawning Conditions & Egg Care In commercial breeding operations, spawning is triggered by a slight temperature increase to around 82°F combined with dense vegetation cover and a simulated rainy-season water change schedule. The pair performs an extended courtship lasting hours, with the male wrapping his anal fin around the female's vent to receive and fertilize each egg before scattering it among the plants. Eggs are sticky and adhere to vegetation. Hatching takes 3-5 days at 80-82°F. The fry are tiny (under 1 cm) and require infusoria or commercial liquid fry food for the first week, transitioning to baby brine shrimp once they are large enough. Adults will eat their own eggs and fry given the chance — remove parents after spawning or move eggs to a separate rearing tank. Raising bichir fry to saleable size takes 6-12 months and is rarely worth the effort outside dedicated programs. ## Common Health Issues A healthy Senegal Bichir in a properly maintained tank is one of the most disease-resistant species in the freshwater hobby. Most bichir illnesses trace back to one of three causes: blocked surface air access, rough décor causing wounds, or sensitivity to standard ich medications. ### Respiratory & Surface-Breathing Problems Because bichirs must reach the surface to breathe, anything that blocks surface access is fatal. The most common culprits are tightly-fitted lids without an air gap above the waterline, dense floating plant mats that the fish cannot push through, and high-flow returns that create surface turbulence the fish struggles to navigate. If you notice your bichir spending excessive time at the surface, gulping desperately, or showing labored gill movement, check three things immediately: the air gap above the water (should be at least 1-2 inches of open space), the floating plant coverage (clear at least 30% of the surface), and dissolved oxygen levels in the rest of the tank. > **Primitive fish — labyrinth-like lung needs surface air** > > Bichirs are not labyrinth fish (those are gouramis and bettas), but they share the trait of supplemental air-breathing. The bichir's modified swim bladder functions as a primitive paired lung — they must surface to breathe regardless of how well-oxygenated the water is. Maintain an open air gap above the waterline, never a fully sealed waterline, and check that the lid lets the fish surface anywhere across the tank length. ### Bacterial & Fungal Infections The most common bichir-specific health issue is body wounds from rough décor or fin damage from aggressive tank mates. Bichirs slide along the substrate constantly; a single sharp-edged rock or jagged piece of gravel can create a small wound that opens to bacterial infection within days. Common pathogens include columnaris (white, fluffy patches around the mouth and along the body) and aeromonas-related ulcers. Treatment is aquarium salt at 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons combined with a broad-spectrum antibiotic like kanamycin or nitrofurazone. Remove activated carbon during treatment. Most early-stage infections resolve within a week of treatment combined with aggressive water changes. ### Ich & Parasite Sensitivity Senegal Bichirs are sensitive to standard ich medications containing formalin or copper, which can cause respiratory distress and fatal toxicity at full dose. If you must treat for ich, use a half-dose of the medication and combine with heat treatment — raise the tank temperature gradually to 84-86°F and hold for 14 days. The heat alone, without medication, often resolves ich in bichir tanks because the parasite cannot complete its lifecycle at elevated temperatures. Avoid copper-based medications entirely if possible. Bichirs absorb copper through their permeable skin and are dramatically more sensitive than scaled fish. If a tank mate requires copper treatment, move that fish to a separate hospital tank rather than dosing the display. ## Where to Buy & What to Look For Senegal Bichirs are widely available at chain stores and specialty shops, but quality varies dramatically. A healthy juvenile from a reputable LFS will live a decade; a stressed import that sat in a cramped store tank for weeks may not survive the first month. ### Healthy Specimen Checklist Inspect any prospective bichir in person before buying. Check for: active behavior at night (visit the store after dusk if possible, or ask staff to observe nocturnal activity); clear, alert eyes with no cloudiness or swelling; no fin erosion or fraying along the dorsal finlets and pectoral fins; smooth body with no visible cuts, sores, white fluffy patches (columnaris), or red ulcers; steady gill movement without labored breathing; and observable feeding response — ask the staff to drop a pellet or thawed bloodworm and watch the fish locate and eat it. Avoid stores where bichir tanks are obviously overcrowded, where the lid clearly does not seal (suggests a recent escape), or where staff cannot tell you the source or how long the fish has been in the tank. Healthy juvenile Senegals at a reputable LFS run $25-$45; subadults at 6-8 inches command $50-$90. > **Buy from a local fish store you can vet in person** > > Chain pet stores often hold bichirs in shallow display tanks with inadequate filtration and no proper lid, leading to chronic stress and unrecognized fin damage. A specialist LFS quarantines new arrivals, knows the fish's age and source, and can show you the fish eating before you buy. For an oddball species like Senegal Bichir, the difference between a reputable LFS and a big-box store often determines whether the fish lives 12 years or 12 weeks. ### Albino vs. Normal Morph Pricing Albino Senegal Bichirs typically command a 20-40% premium over wild-type specimens, reflecting their reduced supply rather than any difference in care difficulty. Both morphs are equally hardy, eat the same diet, reach the same adult size, and live the same lifespan. The choice is purely aesthetic. Albinos do show light sensitivity and prefer dimmer tanks, but the species as a whole already prefers dim lighting, so this is rarely a meaningful constraint. ### Acclimation Bichirs handle acclimation well but benefit from the slow drip method due to their sensitivity to sudden pH and temperature swings. Plan on a 60-90 minute drip acclimation for any bichir, especially one shipped from an online vendor. See our full guide on [how to acclimate fish](/guides/how-to-acclimate-fish) for the step-by-step process. After acclimation, dim the lights and leave the fish undisturbed for 24-48 hours. Do not feed for the first day. The bichir will likely hide for the first week before establishing a routine — this is normal and not a sign of illness. ## Quick Reference - **Tank size:** 75 gallons minimum for one adult; 125+ gallons for a pair or community - **Tank dimensions:** 48-inch length minimum, 18-inch width preferred for turning room - **Lid:** Tight-fitting, weighted glass canopy with no gaps larger than a pencil — non-negotiable - **Temperature:** 75-82°F (24-28°C) with a guarded 200W+ heater - **pH:** 6.5-7.5, stable; the species is genuinely indifferent to specific values - **Hardness:** 5-20 dGH, no special treatment needed for most tap water - **Substrate:** Soft sand only — no sharp gravel - **Filtration:** 5-7x tank volume per hour; canister filter recommended - **Water changes:** 25-30% weekly minimum; nitrate under 30 ppm - **Diet:** Carnivore pellets, frozen bloodworms, earthworms, silversides, raw shrimp - **Feeding schedule:** Juveniles daily, adults every other day; feed at dusk - **Avoid:** Feeder goldfish, sharp décor, copper medications, blocked surface access - **Tank mates:** Anything 4+ inches at adult size — large cichlids, plecos, clown loaches, rope fish, other bichirs - **Lifespan:** 10-15+ years with proper care - **Difficulty:** Beginner-friendly for a predator, but the lid and tank-mate rules are absolute - **Watch for:** Escape attempts, body wounds from rough décor, ich-medication sensitivity ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How big do Senegal Bichirs get? Senegal Bichirs typically reach 12-14 inches in captivity, with some specimens approaching 15 inches. Growth rate depends on diet quality and tank size; juveniles sold at 2-3 inches can reach adult size within 2-3 years under good conditions. ### Can a Senegal Bichir live with cichlids? Yes — large, similarly-sized cichlids like oscars or severums are generally safe. Avoid small or aggressive cichlids that nip fins. Because bichirs are bottom-dwellers and slow eaters, ensure they receive food and aren't outcompeted at feeding time. ### Do Senegal Bichirs need a lid on their tank? Absolutely. Bichirs are notorious escape artists and will squeeze through any gap. A tight-fitting, weighted lid is essential — even a small opening is enough for them to exit the tank, often fatally. ### What do Senegal Bichirs eat? They are strict carnivores. Best foods include high-protein sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, earthworms, and silversides. Feed at dusk when they're most active. Avoid feeder goldfish, which carry disease and offer poor nutrition. ### Are Senegal Bichirs hard to keep? They're considered beginner-friendly for a predatory fish — hardy, tolerant of a range of water parameters, and long-lived. The main challenges are their escape tendency, need for surface air access, and ensuring tank mates aren't small enough to be eaten. --- *Source: [FishStores.org](https://www.fishstores.org/species/senegal-bichir)* *Last updated: April 24, 2026*