Senegalese Bichir
Also known as a ‘Dinosaur Eel,’ it can add an adventure to your aquarium. These fish look like prehistoric dragons with a slight variance in size and color pattern.
They generally live a long time and get along with any fish that cannot fit into their mouth. They make an excellent addition to a large fish tank – well, with the exception of tanks with those small fish. They are easy to care for and feed.
Senegal bichirs and albino Senegal bichirs are captive bred and sold at a small size – usually about three inches. At this size, they are suitable with just about every aquarium fish though they may grow up and eat the smallest neighbors in a year or so, so plan accordingly.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Polypterus senegalus |
|---|---|
| Size at Purchase | Approximately 3 inches |
| Lifespan | Long-term, often exceeding 10 years |
| Compatibility | Best with larger fish that cannot fit into their mouth |
FAQ
What is the typical size of Senegalese Bichir when purchased?
Senegalese Bichirs are usually sold at about three inches in length.
Are Senegalese Bichirs aggressive toward other fish?
They are generally peaceful but may eat smaller fish that can fit into their mouth. Avoid keeping them with very small or slow-moving species.
How long do Senegalese Bichirs typically live?
They can live for many years, often exceeding ten years with proper care.
Anna Dyer –
I bought a Senegalese Bichir for my 55-gallon tank. It’s been two years and still active. It doesn’t eat my larger fish, but I’ve had to remove a few tiny shrimp that were too small. The fish looks unique and adds a cool presence to the tank.
Emma Mills –
The bichir arrived healthy and was about 3 inches. It’s calm most of the time and only eats small prey. I’ve kept it with larger corydoras and it’s coexisting well so far.
Sam Cameron –
This fish is a standout in my aquarium. It has a prehistoric look that’s hard to ignore. I didn’t expect it to grow much, but it’s now 4 inches and still active. I’m happy with the purchase.