We have moved to 41 Croydon Ave Croydon NSW 2132. Contact us: 0433 784 171.
FREE COMBINED SHIPPING ABOVE $189* (DRY GOODS $20, LIVESTOCK $30)
Connect with us on WhatsApp for FREE Support

Senegal Bichir 7-8cm

Description

Senegal bichir - Polypterus Sengalus

Overview

Senegal bichir (Polypterus Sengalus) is a freshwater fish species that can be an exciting addition to your tank. Researchers believe that these fishes are primitive and prehistoric and have been around for 60 million years. They are a prototypical species of Genus Polypterus that originated in Africa.

Characteristics

Polypterus Sengalus has an elongated shape and has beige and grey color. Sometimes these fish species have shades of pink, blue, or white on their multi-layered scales. Usually, these fishes have darker dots and are covered with subtle patterns.

These fishes can grow up to14 inches and have round faces with larger scales, and their eyes are yellow with black pupils. However, Senegal bichir has poor eyes and heavily relies on their sense of smell when hunting for food.

Senegal bichir has a big mouth and appears to be ferocious when closed. These fish also have a big row of teeth and multiple rows of smaller teeth. It has a somewhat cylindrical body and a jagged dorsal fin that runs through the body that meets the caudal fin. It is consists of 14-17 anal spines and 8-11 dorsal spines.

Feeding

Polypterus Sengalus feeds on insects, crustaceans, and small vertebrates. They eat almost anything as long as they can swallow it. Therefore, it is ideal for keeping them with smaller tankmates at least half of their size.

Tank requirements

The ideal tank is at least a 50-gallon capacity tank with a size of 6ft x 2ft x 2ft. It must have a lid with tight-fitting to prevent them from escaping. All of the gaps must be plugged with filter foam or mesh. Don't forget to leave at least a 2 inches gap between the aquarium lid and water surface. Not having access to air may cause them to drown.

Senegal bichir will thrive on a tank with plants and rocks that will provide them a place to hide and play. Also, it is great to have a sandy substrate since they spend most of the time at the bottom of the tank.

Breeding

It might be a little challenging to breed Polypterus Sengalus. They typically procreate during rainy seasons. Before mating, they have a weird habit of jumping in and out of the water. Then, once the females are about to spawn, The males wrap their caudal fin from a cup where females can lay their eggs.




Senegal Bichir 7-8cm

Product form

Out of stock

$299.00


All prices include GST
Is Online Fish Ordering Right for You?
    • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
    • Live Guaranteed to your Home or Office
    • Price Match Available

    Description

    Senegal bichir - Polypterus Sengalus

    Overview

    Senegal bichir (Polypterus Sengalus) is a freshwater fish species that can be an exciting addition to your tank. Researchers believe that these fishes are primitive and prehistoric and have been around for 60 million years. They are a prototypical species of Genus Polypterus that originated in Africa.

    Characteristics

    Polypterus Sengalus has an elongated shape and has beige and grey color. Sometimes these fish species have shades of pink, blue, or white on their multi-layered scales. Usually, these fishes have darker dots and are covered with subtle patterns.

    These fishes can grow up to14 inches and have round faces with larger scales, and their eyes are yellow with black pupils. However, Senegal bichir has poor eyes and heavily relies on their sense of smell when hunting for food.

    Senegal bichir has a big mouth and appears to be ferocious when closed. These fish also have a big row of teeth and multiple rows of smaller teeth. It has a somewhat cylindrical body and a jagged dorsal fin that runs through the body that meets the caudal fin. It is consists of 14-17 anal spines and 8-11 dorsal spines.

    Feeding

    Polypterus Sengalus feeds on insects, crustaceans, and small vertebrates. They eat almost anything as long as they can swallow it. Therefore, it is ideal for keeping them with smaller tankmates at least half of their size.

    Tank requirements

    The ideal tank is at least a 50-gallon capacity tank with a size of 6ft x 2ft x 2ft. It must have a lid with tight-fitting to prevent them from escaping. All of the gaps must be plugged with filter foam or mesh. Don't forget to leave at least a 2 inches gap between the aquarium lid and water surface. Not having access to air may cause them to drown.

    Senegal bichir will thrive on a tank with plants and rocks that will provide them a place to hide and play. Also, it is great to have a sandy substrate since they spend most of the time at the bottom of the tank.

    Breeding

    It might be a little challenging to breed Polypterus Sengalus. They typically procreate during rainy seasons. Before mating, they have a weird habit of jumping in and out of the water. Then, once the females are about to spawn, The males wrap their caudal fin from a cup where females can lay their eggs.




    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    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.

    Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Nano Tanks Australia, Powered by Shopify

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Google Pay
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account