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Palmas Bichir
Polypterus palmas
📍 West and Central Africa
The Palmas Bichir is a smaller member of the Polypterus family, native to West and Central Africa, reaching around 12 inches in length. It is a hardy, prehistoric-looking fish with a series of dorsal finlets and the ability to breathe atmospheric air using a primitive lung. Its manageable size and relatively peaceful nature make it a popular choice for hobbyists interested in keeping ancient fish species.
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Care Guide
Diet
The Palmas Bichir is a carnivore that thrives on meaty foods such as bloodworms, earthworms, shrimp, and chunks of fish or mussel. Sinking pellets and carnivore sticks can also be accepted once the fish is acclimated. Feed adults every 1-2 days, offering only what they can consume in a few minutes to maintain water quality.
Behavior
Palmas Bichirs are primarily nocturnal, spending much of the day hiding among rocks, driftwood, or dense vegetation and becoming more active at night. They are generally tolerant of similarly sized tankmates but will readily consume any fish small enough to fit in their mouth. They occasionally surface to gulp air, which is a normal behavior facilitated by their primitive lung.
Breeding
Breeding Palmas Bichirs in captivity is possible but uncommon, typically triggered by simulating the rainy season with cooler, softer water and increased water changes. Males will wrap around females during spawning, and eggs are scattered among fine-leaved plants. Parents do not guard eggs, so eggs and fry should be removed to a separate rearing tank to prevent predation.
Tank Mates
Similar size and temperament; both are bichirs and coexist well if adequately fed and given space
Compatible bichir species of comparable size; ensure ample hiding spots to reduce competition
Peaceful bottom dweller that shares similar water parameters and is too large to be eaten
Active mid-bottom dweller; compatible if large enough not to be eaten and tank is spacious
Armored catfish that can hold its own; shares similar water conditions and bottom-dwelling habits
Occupies the surface zone, leaving the bottom to the bichir; compatible in larger tanks
Common Diseases
Ich (White Spot Disease)
Small white spots resembling grains of salt on the body and fins, flashing against surfaces, lethargy
Raise temperature gradually to 30 C (86 F) and treat with ich-specific medication; bichirs are sensitive to some medications so use half doses with caution
Bacterial Infection (Fin Rot / Body Ulcers)
Fraying or disintegrating fins, open sores or ulcers on the body, reddening of skin
Improve water quality immediately; treat with broad-spectrum antibacterial medication such as kanamycin or erythromycin
Fungal Infection
Cotton-like white or gray growths on the skin or fins, often secondary to injury or poor water conditions
Treat with antifungal medication such as methylene blue or aquarium-safe antifungal; improve water quality and remove any sharp decor causing injury
Parasitic Worms (Internal Parasites)
Rapid weight loss despite good appetite, bloating, stringy or pale feces, lethargy
Treat with antiparasitic medication containing praziquantel or levamisole; quarantine affected fish and maintain clean water conditions
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Carnivore – feeds on worms, shrimp, small fish, and meaty prepared foods
- lifespan
- 10-15 years
- max size
- 30 cm (12 in)
- tank size
- 55 gallons minimum
- temperament
- semi-aggressive
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.5-7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 5-20 dGH
- temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)