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Delhezi Bichir
Polypterus delhezi
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Polypteriformes›Polypteridae
📍 Upper Congo River, Democratic Republic of Congo
Mid-sized bichir with a grey body and irregular dark banding. More manageable than the Endlicheri but still a substantial fish. Like all bichirs it can breathe atmospheric air and can survive brief periods out of water.
Care Guide
Diet
Delhezi bichirs are carnivorous and require a protein-rich diet of frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and small fish pieces. Feed 2-3 times weekly, offering portions they can consume in a few minutes. They may also accept high-quality carnivore pellets and occasional live foods like small feeder fish.
Behavior
This species is primarily nocturnal and bottom-dwelling, spending daylight hours hiding among plants and décor. Delhezi bichirs are semi-aggressive and may prey on smaller fish or invertebrates, though they are generally less aggressive than larger bichir species. They are solitary hunters and can survive brief periods out of water using their labyrinth organ.
Breeding
Breeding Delhezi bichirs in captivity is difficult and rarely achieved in home aquariums. They require very large tanks (150+ gallons), specific water conditions, and careful pair selection. Spawning typically occurs in dense vegetation, but fry rearing is challenging and rarely successful without expert knowledge.
Tank Mates
Similar bottom-dwelling habits and nocturnal behavior; large enough to avoid predation
Comparable size and bottom-dwelling nature; nocturnal and unlikely to compete aggressively
Mid-water swimmer that avoids the bichir's territory; monitor for predatory behavior toward smaller specimens
Large cichlid with similar water temperature needs; may compete for space but generally too large to prey upon
Similar eel-like body and bottom-dwelling behavior; both are peaceful toward similarly-sized fish
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid gill movement, lethargy, rubbing against décor
Raise temperature gradually to 28-30°C, perform 25% water changes daily, use aquarium salt or ich medication as directed; maintain for 10-14 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin bases, lethargy
Perform 50% water change, improve water quality, use antibiotic medication or salt baths; remove sharp décor that may cause injury
Bacterial Infection
Open sores, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, color fading, torn fins
Isolate in hospital tank, perform daily water changes, use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication; maintain pristine water conditions
Parasitic Infection
Excessive scratching, visible parasites, weight loss, clamped fins
Use antiparasitic medication designed for freshwater fish; perform frequent water changes and maintain optimal water parameters
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Quick Facts
- pH
- 6.5–7.5
- diet
- carnivore
- maxSize
- 14 inches
- minTankSize
- 75 gallons
- temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)
Temperature
75–82°F
24–28°C