Tiger Bichir (Polypterus endlicherii)

Available in store

Description

Tiger Bichir (Polypterus endlicherii)

Tiger Bichir (Polypterus endlicherii) brings prehistoric body form and deliberate bottom-level behaviour to a suitably prepared aquarium. Plan its home around adult space, water, diet and social needs rather than the current sale size.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Polypterus endlicherii
  • Product type: large predatory bichir
  • Sale unit: One individual per quantity ordered unless the listing states otherwise
  • Social needs: Predatory fish that may swallow smaller companions; adult size and floor space are critical

Is this for you?

Perfect if: you have planned a large predator aquarium around the adult species.

Consider something else if: the tank contains small fish, has an unsecured lid or is sized only for the juvenile.

Why choose Tiger Bichir (Polypterus endlicherii)?

Choose Tiger Bichir (Polypterus endlicherii) for prehistoric body form and deliberate bottom-level behaviour. Base compatibility and long-term housing on its adult requirements; individual appearance and maturity can vary.

Key Benefits

  • Prehistoric body form and deliberate bottom-level behaviour
  • Husbandry guidance focused on large predatory bichir needs
  • Clear sale-size and sale-unit information for purchase planning

Care & Specifications

Provide a large, mature aquarium with substantial floor area, secure retreats, gentle-to-moderate flow, access to the surface and a strong gap-free lid.

Social requirements: Predatory fish that may swallow smaller companions; adult size and floor space are critical.

What will you receive?

You will receive the selected quantity of Tiger Bichir (Polypterus endlicherii). Size within the stated range, colour, markings, finnage and sex can vary between individuals unless the listing explicitly fixes them.

Acclimation & Introduction

Prepare the large predatory bichir aquarium before arrival and follow current NTA livestock acclimation guidance. Reduce lighting, avoid sudden changes in temperature or water chemistry, and monitor breathing, posture, feeding and interactions after introduction.

Ongoing Care

Offer appropriate sinking carnivore foods sized for the fish and remove leftovers.

Maintain stable water through testing and appropriately sized water changes. Review the setup as Tiger Bichir (Polypterus endlicherii) grows or social behaviour changes.

Pairs perfectly with

  • A mature aquarium prepared for this livestock
  • Reliable water tests and species-appropriate filtration
  • Food selected for the animal’s mouth size and feeding zone
NTA Insight:
Bichirs can escape and can swallow surprisingly substantial tank mates. Plan the lid and adult community before bringing home a juvenile.

Before You Buy

Check the adult size, social structure, water requirements and diet for Tiger Bichir (Polypterus endlicherii) before ordering. The listed sale size describes current stock, not its permanent size.

Compatibility lists are guides only. Individual behaviour, aquarium dimensions, sex, group size and established territories can change the outcome.

FAQ

Can a bichir live with small community fish?
No. Any companion that can fit in its mouth is at risk, especially after lights dim.

Will the supplied Tiger Bichir (Polypterus endlicherii) match the photograph exactly?
No. Livestock photographs represent the species or variety; colour, markings, finnage, size and maturity naturally vary.

Is the listed size the adult size?
No. It is an approximate sale size where stated. Confirm adult requirements before purchase.

Tiger Bichir (Polypterus endlicherii)

Available in store

Product form

Barcode: NTA-V-40757266514129

Out of stock

$500.00  $350.00


All prices include GST
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    Description

    Tiger Bichir (Polypterus endlicherii)

    Tiger Bichir (Polypterus endlicherii) brings prehistoric body form and deliberate bottom-level behaviour to a suitably prepared aquarium. Plan its home around adult space, water, diet and social needs rather than the current sale size.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Polypterus endlicherii
    • Product type: large predatory bichir
    • Sale unit: One individual per quantity ordered unless the listing states otherwise
    • Social needs: Predatory fish that may swallow smaller companions; adult size and floor space are critical

    Is this for you?

    Perfect if: you have planned a large predator aquarium around the adult species.

    Consider something else if: the tank contains small fish, has an unsecured lid or is sized only for the juvenile.

    Why choose Tiger Bichir (Polypterus endlicherii)?

    Choose Tiger Bichir (Polypterus endlicherii) for prehistoric body form and deliberate bottom-level behaviour. Base compatibility and long-term housing on its adult requirements; individual appearance and maturity can vary.

    Key Benefits

    • Prehistoric body form and deliberate bottom-level behaviour
    • Husbandry guidance focused on large predatory bichir needs
    • Clear sale-size and sale-unit information for purchase planning

    Care & Specifications

    Provide a large, mature aquarium with substantial floor area, secure retreats, gentle-to-moderate flow, access to the surface and a strong gap-free lid.

    Social requirements: Predatory fish that may swallow smaller companions; adult size and floor space are critical.

    What will you receive?

    You will receive the selected quantity of Tiger Bichir (Polypterus endlicherii). Size within the stated range, colour, markings, finnage and sex can vary between individuals unless the listing explicitly fixes them.

    Acclimation & Introduction

    Prepare the large predatory bichir aquarium before arrival and follow current NTA livestock acclimation guidance. Reduce lighting, avoid sudden changes in temperature or water chemistry, and monitor breathing, posture, feeding and interactions after introduction.

    Ongoing Care

    Offer appropriate sinking carnivore foods sized for the fish and remove leftovers.

    Maintain stable water through testing and appropriately sized water changes. Review the setup as Tiger Bichir (Polypterus endlicherii) grows or social behaviour changes.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • A mature aquarium prepared for this livestock
    • Reliable water tests and species-appropriate filtration
    • Food selected for the animal’s mouth size and feeding zone
    NTA Insight:
    Bichirs can escape and can swallow surprisingly substantial tank mates. Plan the lid and adult community before bringing home a juvenile.

    Before You Buy

    Check the adult size, social structure, water requirements and diet for Tiger Bichir (Polypterus endlicherii) before ordering. The listed sale size describes current stock, not its permanent size.

    Compatibility lists are guides only. Individual behaviour, aquarium dimensions, sex, group size and established territories can change the outcome.

    FAQ

    Can a bichir live with small community fish?
    No. Any companion that can fit in its mouth is at risk, especially after lights dim.

    Will the supplied Tiger Bichir (Polypterus endlicherii) match the photograph exactly?
    No. Livestock photographs represent the species or variety; colour, markings, finnage, size and maturity naturally vary.

    Is the listed size the adult size?
    No. It is an approximate sale size where stated. Confirm adult requirements before purchase.

    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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