Fish Index: Bichir

Showing posts with label Bichir. Show all posts

Weeksii Bichir (Polypterus weeksii)

The Weeksii Bichir or Polypterus weeksii is a rather odd looking creature that looks more like a snake than a freshwater fish. Originating in the Congo in Africa, this fish from the Polypteridae family has since made its way into the aquarium trade. As you can see in the pictures, they have a large head and black banding on their bodies.

Also known as the Mottled Bicher and the Fatheaded Bicher, this fish has a long skinny body that can reach lengths of over 1-1/2'. Like the Snakehead and the African Lungfish, the Weeksii Bichir has the ability to survive OUTSIDE of water for short periods of time. Even though they aren't the prettiest fish to look at, many people still keep them as pets. An aquarium of at least 70 gallons is recommended with the following water conditions, 77-83° F, KH 1-12 and pH 6.5-7.5. Make sure you have a nice tight lid and plenty of hiding spots or caves. Weeksii Bichir are carnivorous fish that should be fed live feeder fish as well as other meaty foods including beef heart. You can see these fish in an aquarium setting in the video below...

If you have any additional information or questions about the Weeksii Bichir please leave us a comment.

Retropinnis Bichir (Polypterus retropinnis)

The Retropinnis Bichir or Polypterus retropinnis is one of the few fish that can actually survive outside of water. Like the Mudskipper and the Snakehead, these Bichir fish can be like watching evolution in action! They have a lung like swim bladder and gills that allow this freshwater fish to survive for short period of time on land. You can check out the Retropinnis Bichir in action in this video below...

Growing to about 1' in length the bodies of the Retropinnis Bichir look a lot like that of a Ropefish. They are long with a flattened head and are yellowish brown in color. The Retropinnis Bichir is also known as the West African Bichir or Speckled Bichir and was first discovered in the Congo in Africa.

These freshwater fish work well in an aquarium setting that has a tight lid, several hiding spaces and is over 50 gallons. The Retropinnis Bichir is a carnivore that should be fed meaty food including beef heart. They are quite disease resent and considered to be a fairly easy fish to take care of. The following water conditions are recommended, 77-83° F, KH 1-12, and pH 6.5-7.5.

Cuvier Bichir (Polypterus senegalus)

The Cuvier Bichir fish or Polypterus senegalus is an evolutionary marvel. Like other Bichir Fish they can actually survive outside of water for short periods of time. It has a lung-like swim bladder and gills which help it accomplish this amazing feat. For this reason it is a popular freshwater aquarium fish. The Cuvier Bichir fish is known for its strange appearance as well. It looks more like a snake or an eel than a fish. Cuvier Bichir fish grow to about 1' in length, so a tank of at least 100 gallons is recommended. This fish is also known as Senegal Bichir, Gray Bichir, or Dragonfin. A carnivore, this fish should be fed brine shrimp or bloodworms, occasionally pellets will work as well.

These fish should only be kept with larger passive fish as they will eat pretty much anything they can fit into their mouths. Also be sure to have a tight lid on the top, because they are prone to jumping and will try if given the opportunity.