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Senegal Bichir
Polypterus senegalus
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Polypteridae
📍 Nile River & West Africa
Ancient, armour-plated fish that walks along the bottom on its fins. Breathes air using a primitive lung. Peaceful with fish too large to swallow. Fascinating species.
Care Guide
Diet
Senegal bichirs are carnivorous and prefer live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, small fish, and aquatic insects. Feed high-quality sinking pellets and occasional live prey 3-4 times weekly. They are nocturnal feeders and may ignore food during the day.
Behavior
These ancient fish are primarily nocturnal bottom-dwellers that use their pectoral fins to walk along the substrate in a distinctive manner. They are generally peaceful but will consume any fish small enough to fit in their mouths; they ignore larger tankmates. They are solitary and do not require companions, spending much time hiding in caves or dense vegetation.
Breeding
Breeding Senegal bichirs in captivity is extremely rare and difficult, with very few documented successes in the aquarium hobby. They require specific environmental triggers and large spawning spaces that are difficult to replicate. Most specimens in the hobby are wild-caught, making captive breeding impractical for most aquarists.
Tank Mates
Similar size and bottom-dwelling habits; nocturnal and unlikely to compete for food
Large enough to avoid predation; peaceful mid-water swimmer that won't compete for bottom space
Large cichlid that shares similar water parameters and is too large to be eaten
Similar nocturnal bottom-dweller; may compete for hiding spaces but generally compatible if tank is large enough
Peaceful bottom-dweller with similar size; active during different times may reduce competition
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, flashing against objects, labored breathing
Raise temperature gradually to 28-30°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt or ich medication; treat for 7-10 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, remove decaying food, use antibiotic medication if severe; ensure good filtration
Bacterial Infections
Open sores, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, color fading
Perform 50% water change, maintain pristine water conditions, use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication; isolate if possible
Parasitic Infections
Excessive scratching, visible parasites, weight loss, clamped fins
Use anti-parasitic medication, increase aeration, perform frequent water changes; quarantine new fish before adding to main tank
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