Polypterus senegalus Cuvier 1829

In Nature Polypterus senegalus prefers shallow, slow moving waters of swamps, marshes and freshwater lagoons, where it can find enough food and reproduce.

If biotope correct, this species should be kept in the aquarium only with larger fish, which it can’t eat. Otherwise, mono-species tank is the best option.

Polypterus senegalus becomes mature already in the size of 15 – 23cm, although male bichir also tend to be smaller than female bichir.

Main difference between male and female is that the anal fin of the male is thicker. During the spawning a male uses this enlarged, swollen, and folded in a cup-like fashion anal fin to brush the female.

In its natural biotope Polypterus senegalus feeds on fishes, frogs, insects, crustaceans and mollusks. While its subspesies Polypterus senegalus senegalus is mainly insectivorous.

To be able to breed Polypterus senegalus need an environment, which is perfect for them – good water quality (slightly acidic and soft water), frequent water changes, right size aquarium. Water changes and temperature fluctuations are key factors to induce spawning.

A varied diet with plenty of live meat foods is recommended.

In the captivity Polypterus prefers meaty foods rarely accepting dry food.

The female needs a suitable spawning site before laying eggs – she will prefere a densely planted site with shrubs and mosses.

The spawning ritual usually lasts 1 day: male bichir chases the female and also bump into her with his muzzle.

The female of Polypterus senegalus lays from 100 to 300 eggs in a few days. She lays several eggs each time, and the eggs are fertilized by the male when he hugs his anal and caudal fins around the female’s genital area.

The male takes the eggs, fertilizes them, and then they are scattered over the plants. The bichir egg is 2-3 millimeters thick and slightly sticky. They will stick to the plants until the fry hatch after three to four days.

Bichir fry have external gills. Before starting feeding the fry wait about a week, as they must first consume the entire yolk sac. The first food should be small live food such as freshly hatched brine shrimp (Artemia nauplii) or microworms.

When feeding, put food next to the fry, as newly hatched bichir fry are not very active hunters. Since the older bichir fry are prone to cannibalism, it is necessary to remove the larger fry from the smaller ones to assure higher survival rate.

Bichirs sometimes feed on their own eggs, so it may be a good idea to remove the parents from the tank as soon as final fertilization is over.