Rob's Aquatics Fish Farm
Palmas Bichir
Palmas Bichir
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Bichirs are living fossils belonging to the Polypteridae family. They are a sister family of ray-finned fishes that have developed similar characteristics such as a pair of functional lungs and the Ampullae of Lorenzini (organs that can sense electricity, also known as electroreceptors).
They belongs to the genus Polypterus, which means ‘many wings’ – given due to their look. There are about 12 species in this genus recognized as Bichirs all from freshwater systems of tropical Africa.
These are quite large and aggressive fish that requires large tanks.
They are recommended for experienced aquarists as they require special attention with their carnivorous diet and tank conditions.
Most of the specimens you find available are caught in the wild – they are not commercially bred.
Bichirs are predatory fish, with a moderately aggressive temperament. They are problematic when kept with smaller size fish, as they will nip at their fins or even eat them. However, they seem to have no problems sharing their tank with larger fish.
These fish are bottom-dwellers and will spend most of their time near the bottom of the tank. They are nocturnal animals and prefer feeding during the night. They have poor eyesight and rely mainly on their other senses to find food.
They are peculiar-looking fish that can breathe air. They have paired lungs which help gas exchange in poorly oxygenated environments. They have two small openings on the top of their head called spiracles which they breathe through.
The Delhezi Bichir, also known as Polypterus delhezi has grey coloration with green or yellow spots. Its coloration makes it very popular
Bichirs are mainly found across freshwater environments in tropical Africa and the Nile River systems. They live in estuaries and floodplains with muddy waters and silted substrates.
As they have a good pair of functional lungs, they are very good at surviving in very poor oxygen conditions and low water habitats.
They are quite large and sturdy fish that require specific water parameters and large tanks.
- They prefer softer waters
- Temperature 72-82°F
- Neutral pH (between 6.5-7.5)
Tank substrate is an important choice. Gravel can be an option, however, is not usually found in their natural environment. Sand is the best option.
They are not too fused about tank decoration, so you can add anything you prefer. Plants can be very useful, as they provide cover from light.
These fish are quite good tank mates providing the fish you put in the tank don’t fit into their mouth!
They usually do well with larger fish, so think Oscars, Blood Parrots, Flowerhorns, large Barbs, Knifefish, medium and large Catfish, and large peaceful African Cichlids.
Bichirs are quite slow-moving, so can have some problems with fast active tank mates stealing their food. As bottom-dwelling fish, they might starve as other fish can steal their food before reaching the bottom of the tank.
Remember though, they are predatory fish. So smaller fish and other non-fish inhabitants are discouraged as they will be eaten. They tend to hunt at night and by morning you might notice some of your smaller fish are missing.
You can keep multiple Birchirs together. They will often form ‘poly piles’ and are quite sociable creatures. You’ll need a large aquarium, and all the fish should be a similar size.
Bichirs are nocturnal predators. They are carnivorous fish and enjoy eating small vertebrates, crustaceans, insects, and other small fishes.
It is better to feed them with live food rather than pellets or artificial food.
Feeding them live food will bring out their natural predatory behaviors. They are slow eaters and you can feed them bloodworms, frozen shrimps, small fishes, and small pieces of meat such as ox heart, or earthworms.
They are nocturnal animals and prefer to be fed at night or when the lights are off. Let the baitfish sink to the bottom of the tank on the tank substrate.
Make sure that other tank mates don’t steal their food and starve them. If you decide to use sinking pellets or flakes, make sure there are high quality to reduce the risk of introducing potential sources of infection in the tank.
Even though they have bad eyesight, they are good predators relying on their sense of smell and their ability to sense electricity emitted from other objects/animals around them.
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