TankBud

Barred bichir

Polypterus delhezi

Also known as Armored Bichir

FreshwaterFish

Barred bichir (Polypterus delhezi)
Steven G. Johnson · CC BY-SA 3.0

Care at a glance

Temperature
75–86°F
24–30°C
pH
6.0–8.0
Adult size
13.8 in
35 cm
Minimum tank
53 gal
200 L
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Solitary
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Bottom
Difficulty
Easy
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Rare
Family
Polypteridae
Origin
Congo Basin

Overview

The barred bichir is a hardy, slow-moving predator that cruises the bottom and shelters under wood and caves. It is generally peaceful but will eat any fish or shrimp small enough to swallow, so keep it with robust tankmates of similar size. Feed meaty foods such as earthworms, prawns, mussel, and sinking pellets, offered in the evening when it is most active. Provide a soft substrate, plenty of cover, and a tight lid, since bichirs will try to leave the tank. Give it a tank of at least 200 liters.

In the wild

Polypterus delhezi comes from the Congo River basin in central Africa, living over soft bottoms in slow rivers, backwaters, and floodplains. It tolerates warm, oxygen-poor water thanks to its ability to breathe air. Recreate its home with a sandy or fine substrate, driftwood and rock for cover, and gentle flow. Keep the temperature between 24 and 30 degrees Celsius and the pH anywhere from about 6 to 8.

Good to know

The barred bichir belongs to Polypteridae, an ancient family of ray-finned fish, and reaches around 35 centimeters. Bichirs have thick, armored ganoid scales, lobe-like pectoral fins, and a row of small finlets along the back in place of a single dorsal fin. Their swim bladder is divided into paired lungs, so they breathe atmospheric air and can survive in stagnant water, though they may drown if denied access to the surface. Aquarium spawning is rarely recorded.

Did you know

Bichirs are living relics with paired, lung-like swim bladders that let them breathe air. A barred bichir kept in water it cannot surface from may actually drown, since it depends on gulping air from above.

Common questions

What size tank does a Barred bichir need?

A Barred bichir needs at least 53 gal (200 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH does a Barred bichir need?

A Barred bichir is comfortable at 75–86°F (24–30°C) with a pH of 6.0–8.0.

How big does a Barred bichir get?

An adult Barred bichir reaches about 13.8 in (35 cm).

Related species