TankBud

Saddled bichir

Polypterus endlicherii

Also known as Endlicheri bichir, Endlicher's bichir, Polypterus endlicheri, Red bichir

FreshwaterFish

Saddled bichir (Polypterus endlicherii)
(c) Rafael Rosa, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Rafael Rosa · cc-by-sa

Care at a glance

Temperature
77–84°F
25–29°C
pH
6.5–7.5
Adult size
25.6 in
65 cm
Minimum tank
151 gal
570 L
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Solitary
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Bottom
Diet
Carnivore
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
Hard
Rarity
Common
Family
Polypteridae
Origin
Native to rivers, swamps and floodplains across West and Central Africa, including the Niger, Chad and Nile basins.

Overview

The saddled bichir is one of the larger bichirs, a heavy, eel-like predator. It is best with a little experience.

Did you know

The saddled bichir can survive out of water for hours in damp conditions by breathing air. Bichirs have been known to travel between pools across wet ground.

Caring for the saddled bichir

Give the saddled bichir at least 151 gal (570 L), with a long footprint. Fit a very tight lid, as bichirs escape through small gaps. Keep the water at 77 to 84°F (25 to 29°C) with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5.

Feed meaty foods such as prawns, earthworms, mussel and sinking pellets. The saddled bichir is not aggressive toward fish too big to swallow, but it will eat anything that fits in its mouth. Choose large tank mates. Breeding it is hard.

Good to know

Polypterus endlicherii is a member of the ancient family Polypteridae, ray-finned fish whose lineage predates most modern groups. It has a row of small dorsal finlets and thick, armored scales. Its blunt jaw has a projecting lower lip, and dark saddle-like bars cross its yellowish body. Bichirs have paired lungs and can breathe air, so they survive in low-oxygen water. Larvae hatch with feathery external gills, like a newt.

In the wild

The saddled bichir is native to rivers, swamps and floodplains across West and Central Africa, including the Niger, Chad and Nile basins. It hunts along the bottom by scent at night.

Common questions

What size tank does a saddled bichir need?

A saddled bichir needs at least 151 gal (570 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH does a saddled bichir need?

A saddled bichir is comfortable at 77–84°F (25–29°C) with a pH of 6.5–7.5.

What does a saddled bichir eat?

A saddled bichir eats meaty foods such as prawns, earthworms, mussel and sinking pellets. It will also eat anything that fits in its mouth.

How big does a saddled bichir get?

An adult saddled bichir reaches about 25.6 in (65 cm).

Related species