How difficult is it to keep Teugels' bichir?

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

What is the ideal temperature for Teugels' bichir?

The ideal temperature for Teugels' bichir is 25〜27℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

How large does Teugels' bichir get?

Teugels' bichir typically reaches Up to 41.5 cm SL as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Teugels' bichir?

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

What is the typical price for Teugels' bichir?

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

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Teugels' bichir

Intermediate

Polypterus teugelsi

A bichir found only in the upper Cross River of Cameroon, with a black network pattern above, an orange belly and jet-black pectoral fins unlike any other bichir. Slender, it reaches about 40 cm SL.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

25〜27℃

Size

Up to 41.5 cm SL

Diet

Carnivore (prawns, earthworms, mussels, fish pieces)

About

Polypterus teugelsi was discovered in 1988 and described in 2004. It is considered endemic to the upper Cross River in Cameroon and is most common in shady, slow-moving rainforest streams (FishBase, Seriously Fish). It reaches 41.5 cm SL. A black network pattern on the upper body, an orange belly and black pectoral fins form a colour scheme unique in the genus, and it is more slender than other bichirs. Nocturnal with poor eyesight, it finds food by smell. Part of its swim bladder works as a lung, and it breathes air at the surface; young fish have amphibian-like external gills. It has not been bred in captivity and little is known of its reproduction. It is listed as Data Deficient (DD) on the IUCN Red List. In Japan it is sold by specialist shops as a strikingly patterned bichir.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Size of the Teugels' bichir

The Teugels' bichir grows to Up to 41.5 cm SL.

Temperature & humidity for the Teugels' bichir

The ideal temperature for the Teugels' bichir is 25〜27℃.

Basic Info

Origin

West Africa (upper Cross River, Cameroon)

Size

Up to 41.5 cm SL

Temperature

25〜27℃

Diet

Carnivore (prawns, earthworms, mussels, fish pieces)

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 teugelsi Britz, 2004

Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF · FishBase

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN DD · Data Deficient

Not listed in the CITES Appendices (checked on Species+). Listed as Data Deficient (DD) on the IUCN Red List. Not designated under Japan's Invasive Alien Species Act nor on the invasive species list (as of September 2026). A predator exceeding 40 cm, so Plan for lifelong housing and never release it into the wild.

Sources: Species+ (CITES) / FishBase

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