Guinean bichir

Guinean bichir key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Size

28 cm TL (some sources give up to 72 cm)

Diet

Carnivore (prawns, earthworms, mussels, fish pieces)

Water Temperature & Quality

Few species-specific data on temperature or water chemistry. A tropical river fish; provide ample filtration and regular water changes.

Aquarium

Plan for a large adult: a big tank with a wide footprint for life, as floor area matters more than depth. Add driftwood and rocks for cover and use a gap-free lid.

Tank Mates & Compatibility

Eats fish it can swallow. It often lives with robust fish of similar size, but review companions as it grows.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous: frozen or live prawns, earthworms, mussels and fish pieces; it may be weaned onto sinking pellets for predators.

Breeding & Egg-laying

Few reliable reports of breeding in home aquaria.

Health & Cautions

It weakens without access to air. Escapes that end in drying out are common, so seal all gaps in the lid.

About Guinean bichir

Guinean bichir (Polypterus ansorgii): a large West African bichir with a greenish-brown to black body and bold dark blotches. Rated for intermediate keepers. Learn its traits, care points and what to prepare before bringing one home.

7 things to know before welcoming a Guinean bichir

1. 1Plan for size range

   Sources report adult length anywhere from 28 cm (FishBase) to 72 cm (Wikipedia), so the final size is hard to predict. Plan your tank and its location around the larger figure before you bring one home.

2. 2Wide-bottomed tank

   Bichirs spend much of their time near the bottom, so choose a tank for floor area rather than height. Since this is known as a large species, make sure there is enough width for the fish to turn around comfortably.

3. 3Escape-proof the lid

   Bichirs can slip out through surprisingly small gaps in a tank. Keep the lid firmly closed and seal the openings around filter pipes and cables.

4. 4Air space at surface

   Bichirs have lungs and are often seen gulping air at the surface. Leave a little air space between the water and the lid so the fish can breathe air freely.

5. 5Tankmates and mouth size

   This is a carnivorous fish, so anything small enough to fit in its mouth may be eaten. If you keep tankmates, choose fish of similar or larger size, provide hiding places, and watch how they get along.

6. 6Sinking foods

   Because it forages along the bottom and eats meat, sinking foods are easiest to offer. Leftovers foul the water, so start with small portions and adjust based on how the fish eats.

7. 7Water quality and health

   Larger fish foul the water faster, so solid filtration and regular water changes are the foundation of care. Lifespan data is scarce and no reliable figure can be given, so watch appetite and body condition daily to catch changes early.

Frequently asked questions about Guinean bichir

Q.Can beginners keep this fish?

A.It is rated as suited to intermediate keepers. Its large size, the need for escape-proofing, and the care needed in choosing tankmates make some prior aquarium experience helpful.

Q.How big does it get?

A.Sources differ widely, from 28 cm (FishBase) to 72 cm (Wikipedia), so no single figure can be given. It is safer to prepare a tank sized for the larger end of that range.

Q.How long does it live?

A.Lifespan information is limited, so no reliable figure can be given. It is wise to set up your tank and care routine with a long-term commitment in mind.

Q.Can it live with other fish?

A.As a carnivore, it may eat any fish small enough to fit in its mouth. If you try tankmates, pick fish of similar or larger size and judge compatibility by watching them closely.

Q.Does it look different when mature?

A.When mature, the lower jaw becomes slightly protruding. The body is greenish brown to black, and the large dark blotches are a key identifying feature.

Useful tools for Guinean bichir care

Learn more about Guinean bichir in the encyclopedia

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