How difficult is it to keep Mokelembembe bichir?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

How large does Mokelembembe bichir get?

Mokelembembe bichir typically reaches Up to 26.7 cm SL as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Mokelembembe bichir?

Mokelembembe bichir feeds on: Carnivore (bloodworm, prawns, earthworms, fish pieces). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Mokelembembe bichir?

The price of Mokelembembe bichir varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

AI-generated image

Mokelembembe bichir

Intermediate

Polypterus mokelembembe

A bichir from the middle Congo basin, described in 2006, with the dorsal fin set far back. Fish imported as 'retropinnis' reportedly included this species, so identification needs care.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

22〜28℃

Size

Up to 26.7 cm SL

Diet

Carnivore (bloodworm, prawns, earthworms, fish pieces)

About

Polypterus mokelembembe was described in 2006. FishBase gives its range as the middle Congo basin in the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with a maximum of 26.7 cm SL and 142 g. It is named after Mokele-mbembe, a legendary creature of the Congo basin. Slender, with the dorsal finlets starting far back on the body, it closely resembles P. retropinnis, which also lives in the Congo basin. Before its description, fish imported as retropinnis reportedly included this species, and the names can still be confused; check the scientific name, origin and markings when buying. Like other bichirs it breathes air using part of its swim bladder. A nocturnal carnivore, it eats animal foods. Information on its care and breeding is still limited. It is only occasionally offered by Japanese specialist shops.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Size of the Mokelembembe bichir

The Mokelembembe bichir grows to Up to 26.7 cm SL.

Basic Info

Origin

Central Africa (middle Congo basin, Republic of the Congo and DR Congo)

Size

Up to 26.7 cm SL

Temperature

22〜28℃

Diet

Carnivore (bloodworm, prawns, earthworms, fish pieces)

Care Guide

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Polypterus mokelembembe Schliewen & Schäfer, 2006

Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF · FishBase

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern

Not listed in the CITES Appendices (checked on Species+). Not designated under Japan's Invasive Alien Species Act, nor on the Ministry of the Environment's list of invasive alien species. Never release aquarium fish into the wild.

Sources: Species+ (CITES) / FishBase

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.