Ornate Bichir

Ornate Bichir key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

10-15 years

Size

Up to 60cm TL

Temperature

25〜28℃

Diet

Meaty live and frozen foods such as prawns, earthworms, mussel and lancefish

Tank

Seriously Fish calls for a 180 x 60cm base of about 648 litres for an adult. Prioritise floor space over depth and build caves from a soft substrate, driftwood and smooth rocks. It is an escape artist, so a heavy, gap-free cover is essential.

Water Temperature & Quality

Seriously Fish gives 25-28C, pH 6.0-8.0 and 5-25 dGH; FishBase records 26-28C in the wild. It tolerates a wide range of chemistry but is a heavy feeder that fouls water quickly, so allow generous filtration.

Tank Mates

It cannot be trusted with anything it can swallow but is otherwise fairly peaceful. Other Polypterus, Synodontis, Datnioides, knifefish and medium to large characins are suitable companions.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous and often reluctant to take dried foods. Prawns, earthworms, mussel and lancefish, live or frozen, form the staple. It feeds by smell, so make sure slower individuals actually reach the food.

Breeding & Spawning

It has been bred in aquaria but published detail is scarce. It spawns in the rainy season in the wild, so changes in temperature and chemistry are the likely trigger. The male cups the eggs in his anal fin, fertilises them and scatters them among plants; they hatch in three to four days.

Health & Notes

It breathes air and will drown if it cannot reach the surface. Although hardy, it grazes and scrapes easily, so choose decor without sharp edges. The IUCN rates it Least Concern and it is not listed by CITES.

About Ornate Bichir

The Ornate Bichir is a striking Congo River native with yellow net-like markings, growing up to 60cm. This nocturnal, carnivorous ancient fish suits intermediate keepers and needs a spacious, securely lidded tank.

7 things to know before welcoming a Ornate Bichir

1. 1Secure, Heavy-Duty Lid

   Bichirs are strong jumpers and can squeeze through even a small gap in the tank cover. Use a heavy glass lid or one with a secure latch, and make sure it closes without gaps.

2. 2Spacious Tank for Swimming

   As an adult, the Ornate Bichir grows to a full 60cm, so it needs a tank with enough width and depth to stretch out and swim comfortably. In a cramped tank, it may end up rubbing against the glass or décor.

3. 3Respect Its Nocturnal Rhythm

   During the day it typically rests hidden among driftwood or rocks, becoming active and searching for food once the lights go down at night. Staying out of sight during the day is normal behavior, not a sign of illness.

4. 4Carnivorous Diet & Tankmates

   This is a carnivorous fish that preys on small live fish and crustaceans, and any tankmate small enough to fit in its mouth may become food. Choose tankmates with size in mind to avoid this risk.

5. 5An Air-Breathing Fish

   Bichirs have a lung-like organ and periodically rise to the surface to gulp air. When fitting a lid, look for a design that keeps the fish from escaping while still leaving room for it to reach the surface and breathe.

6. 6Smooth, Rounded Substrate

   Bichirs like to glide along the bottom and use the barbels under their chin to probe the substrate. Sharp-edged gravel can scrape their skin and barbels, so smooth sand or fine, rounded substrate is the safer choice.

7. 7Hiding Spots & Calm Setup

   Driftwood, rocks, and plants that offer a place to hide during the day help an Ornate Bichir feel secure. Without enough cover, it may restlessly search the tank for shelter, which can add stress.

Frequently asked questions about Ornate Bichir

Q.Can it be kept with other tropical fish?

A.It can share a tank with fish too large to be swallowed, but smaller fish risk being eaten. Choose tankmates of a similar or larger size and sturdy enough to hold their own.

Q.It barely moves during the day — is something wrong?

A.No, the Ornate Bichir is nocturnal, so resting out of sight during the day is completely normal. Feeding and observing it after the lights dim will show its more natural, active side.

Q.How large a tank does it need?

A.Since it grows to a full 60cm as an adult, it needs a large tank with enough width and depth for it to swim comfortably. It's best to plan for a bigger tank early, before it outgrows a smaller setup.

Q.Can it jump out of the tank?

A.Bichirs are known for jumping and can escape through even a small gap in the lid. A heavy or latching lid that closes without gaps is essential.

Q.Is it suitable for beginners?

A.Its care level is generally considered intermediate, requiring attention to tank size, a secure lid, and its carnivorous feeding habits. It's best suited to keepers who already have some experience with tropical fish.

Useful tools for Ornate Bichir care

Learn more about Ornate Bichir in the encyclopedia

More in this category