TankBud

West African bichir

Polypterus retropinnis

Also known as Retropinnis bichir, Congo Green Bichir

FreshwaterFish

West African bichir (Polypterus retropinnis)
The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
77–82°F
25–28°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
Diet
Carnivore
Difficulty
Easy
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Very rare
Family
Polypteridae
Origin
West Africa, Congo Basin

Overview

The West African bichir is one of the smaller bichirs, a hardy, slow-moving predator for the bottom of the tank. It is an easy bichir to start with.

Did you know

The West African bichir and its kin are sometimes called living fossils. Their body plan has changed little since the age of the dinosaurs. Their fleshy, lobed pectoral fins and paired, lung-like swim bladders recall the ancient fish that first began to venture onto land.

Caring for the West African bichir

The West African bichir needs a tank of at least 53 gal (200 L). Give it fine, soft sand it will not scrape against, with driftwood, rock and caves for shelter. Fit a tight lid, since bichirs climb and jump, but leave air above the surface for it to breathe.

Keep the water at 77 to 82°F (25 to 28°C) with a pH of 6.0 to 8.0 and gentle flow. It is active at night and shelters under wood and caves during the day. Feed meaty foods such as earthworms, prawns, mussel and sinking pellets in the evening.

The West African bichir is generally peaceful, but it will eat any fish or shrimp small enough to swallow. Keep it with calm tank mates of similar size. Breeding in aquariums is rarely documented.

Good to know

The West African bichir belongs to Polypteridae, one of the oldest surviving families of ray-finned fish. It has thick, armored ganoid scales and a row of finlets along the back instead of a single dorsal fin. It breathes air and can endure oxygen-poor water.

In the wild

Polypterus retropinnis comes from West and Central Africa, including the Congo basin. It lives over soft bottoms in slow rivers, backwaters and swampy margins that are often warm and low in oxygen.

Common questions

What size tank does a West African bichir need?

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

What temperature and pH does a West African bichir need?

A West African bichir is comfortable at 77–82°F (25–28°C) with a pH of 6.0–8.0.

What does a West African bichir eat?

A West African bichir eats meaty foods such as earthworms, prawns, mussel and sinking pellets, fed in the evening. It will also eat any fish or shrimp small enough to swallow.

How big does a West African bichir get?

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

Related species