Senegal Bichir (Polypterus senegalus)

Description

Senegal Bichir (Polypterus senegalus)

One of the oldest fish species on Earth, the Senegal Bichir combines prehistoric looks with a surprisingly peaceful temperament. With its armour-like scales, dragon-like appearance and fascinating behaviour, this ancient predator makes an unforgettable centrepiece for medium to large aquariums.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Polypterus senegalus
  • Common name: Senegal Bichir, Dinosaur Fish, Cuvier's Bichir
  • Current size: Please refer to the selected size option
  • Adult size: Approximately 30–40 cm
  • Tank size: 300L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟡 Moderate
  • Temperament: Peaceful predator
  • Social needs: Can be kept singly or with similarly sized peaceful fish

Is this for you?

✔️ Perfect if:

  • You love prehistoric-looking fish.
  • You want an unusual centrepiece with plenty of personality.
  • You have a spacious aquarium with secure lids.
  • You keep medium to large peaceful fish.

❌ Avoid if:

  • You keep nano fish or shrimp.
  • You have a small community aquarium.
  • You cannot provide a tightly covered aquarium.
  • You want a fast-swimming display fish.

Why choose a Senegal Bichir?

The Senegal Bichir belongs to one of the world's oldest surviving groups of freshwater fish, with ancestors dating back over 100 million years. Its elongated body, thick armour-like scales and row of dorsal finlets give it the appearance of a miniature freshwater dragon.

Unlike many large predators, the Senegal Bichir is generally calm and slow-moving. It spends much of its day exploring the aquarium floor, resting beneath driftwood and emerging at feeding time with surprising enthusiasm.

An incredible adaptation of this species is its ability to breathe atmospheric air using modified lungs. You'll often see your Bichir swim to the surface for a quick gulp before returning to patrol the aquarium.

Benefits

  • Unique prehistoric appearance
  • Peaceful for a predatory species
  • Intelligent and interactive
  • Hardy once established
  • Compatible with many larger community fish
  • Long lifespan with proper care

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 24–28°C
  • pH: 6.5–7.8
  • Diet: Carnivorous pellets, earthworms, prawns, mussels, frozen bloodworms and other meaty foods
  • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered
  • Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel
  • Setup: Dim lighting, driftwood, caves and open swimming areas
  • A secure, tightly fitting lid is essential, as Bichirs are excellent escape artists.
  • Feed a varied meaty diet and choose tank mates too large to be swallowed.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Severums
  • Silver Dollars
  • Geophagus
  • Large Rainbowfish
  • Plecos
NTA Insight:
The Senegal Bichir is often the perfect introduction to keeping prehistoric fish. Compared to many other Bichir species, it remains relatively manageable in size while still displaying all the fascinating behaviours that make the group so popular. Remember, if a fish can fit into its mouth, it will eventually become food—choose tank mates accordingly and always provide a secure lid, as Bichirs are notorious escape artists.

FAQ

How large do Senegal Bichirs grow?

Adults typically reach 30–40 cm, making them suitable for medium to large aquariums with plenty of floor space.

Can Senegal Bichirs breathe air?

Yes. They possess primitive lung-like organs and regularly swim to the surface to breathe atmospheric air. This is completely normal behaviour.

Are they aggressive?

They are generally peaceful toward similarly sized fish but will eat anything small enough to fit into their mouth.

Do they need a secure lid?

Absolutely. Senegal Bichirs are powerful escape artists and can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps around filters and plumbing.

What do Senegal Bichirs eat?

They thrive on a varied carnivorous diet including quality sinking carnivore pellets, earthworms, prawns, mussels and frozen foods.

Can more than one Senegal Bichir be kept together?

Yes. In sufficiently large aquariums, they can often be kept with other Bichirs of similar size, provided adequate hiding places are available.

Are Senegal Bichirs suitable for beginners?

They are suitable for beginners stepping into larger predatory fish, provided they can meet the aquarium size and husbandry requirements.

How long do Senegal Bichirs live?

With excellent care, Senegal Bichirs commonly live for 15–20 years, making them a rewarding long-term aquarium companion.

Senegal Bichir (Polypterus senegalus)

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Out of stock,  

$299.00


All prices include GST
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    Description

    Senegal Bichir (Polypterus senegalus)

    One of the oldest fish species on Earth, the Senegal Bichir combines prehistoric looks with a surprisingly peaceful temperament. With its armour-like scales, dragon-like appearance and fascinating behaviour, this ancient predator makes an unforgettable centrepiece for medium to large aquariums.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Polypterus senegalus
    • Common name: Senegal Bichir, Dinosaur Fish, Cuvier's Bichir
    • Current size: Please refer to the selected size option
    • Adult size: Approximately 30–40 cm
    • Tank size: 300L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟡 Moderate
    • Temperament: Peaceful predator
    • Social needs: Can be kept singly or with similarly sized peaceful fish

    Is this for you?

    ✔️ Perfect if:

    • You love prehistoric-looking fish.
    • You want an unusual centrepiece with plenty of personality.
    • You have a spacious aquarium with secure lids.
    • You keep medium to large peaceful fish.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You keep nano fish or shrimp.
    • You have a small community aquarium.
    • You cannot provide a tightly covered aquarium.
    • You want a fast-swimming display fish.

    Why choose a Senegal Bichir?

    The Senegal Bichir belongs to one of the world's oldest surviving groups of freshwater fish, with ancestors dating back over 100 million years. Its elongated body, thick armour-like scales and row of dorsal finlets give it the appearance of a miniature freshwater dragon.

    Unlike many large predators, the Senegal Bichir is generally calm and slow-moving. It spends much of its day exploring the aquarium floor, resting beneath driftwood and emerging at feeding time with surprising enthusiasm.

    An incredible adaptation of this species is its ability to breathe atmospheric air using modified lungs. You'll often see your Bichir swim to the surface for a quick gulp before returning to patrol the aquarium.

    Benefits

    • Unique prehistoric appearance
    • Peaceful for a predatory species
    • Intelligent and interactive
    • Hardy once established
    • Compatible with many larger community fish
    • Long lifespan with proper care

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 24–28°C
    • pH: 6.5–7.8
    • Diet: Carnivorous pellets, earthworms, prawns, mussels, frozen bloodworms and other meaty foods
    • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered
    • Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel
    • Setup: Dim lighting, driftwood, caves and open swimming areas
    • A secure, tightly fitting lid is essential, as Bichirs are excellent escape artists.
    • Feed a varied meaty diet and choose tank mates too large to be swallowed.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Severums
    • Silver Dollars
    • Geophagus
    • Large Rainbowfish
    • Plecos
    NTA Insight:
    The Senegal Bichir is often the perfect introduction to keeping prehistoric fish. Compared to many other Bichir species, it remains relatively manageable in size while still displaying all the fascinating behaviours that make the group so popular. Remember, if a fish can fit into its mouth, it will eventually become food—choose tank mates accordingly and always provide a secure lid, as Bichirs are notorious escape artists.

    FAQ

    How large do Senegal Bichirs grow?

    Adults typically reach 30–40 cm, making them suitable for medium to large aquariums with plenty of floor space.

    Can Senegal Bichirs breathe air?

    Yes. They possess primitive lung-like organs and regularly swim to the surface to breathe atmospheric air. This is completely normal behaviour.

    Are they aggressive?

    They are generally peaceful toward similarly sized fish but will eat anything small enough to fit into their mouth.

    Do they need a secure lid?

    Absolutely. Senegal Bichirs are powerful escape artists and can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps around filters and plumbing.

    What do Senegal Bichirs eat?

    They thrive on a varied carnivorous diet including quality sinking carnivore pellets, earthworms, prawns, mussels and frozen foods.

    Can more than one Senegal Bichir be kept together?

    Yes. In sufficiently large aquariums, they can often be kept with other Bichirs of similar size, provided adequate hiding places are available.

    Are Senegal Bichirs suitable for beginners?

    They are suitable for beginners stepping into larger predatory fish, provided they can meet the aquarium size and husbandry requirements.

    How long do Senegal Bichirs live?

    With excellent care, Senegal Bichirs commonly live for 15–20 years, making them a rewarding long-term aquarium companion.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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