Can it be kept with other fish?

It may be housed with similarly sized fish, but any tankmate small enough to fit in its mouth risks being eaten. Since it's a carnivore, choose tankmates carefully.

How large a tank does it need?

Since adults can reach up to 65cm, a large tank sized for its full-grown length is necessary. Plan ahead for tank upgrades as it grows, not just its size when you bring it home.

What should I feed it?

As a carnivore, it should be fed live or frozen food along with carnivore-formulated pellets. It typically adapts to prepared foods once it settles in.

Is this a good fish for beginners?

It's generally considered a species for experienced keepers due to its large adult size, strength, and specific feeding and water quality needs. Make sure you have the experience and setup in place before bringing one home.

Can it jump out of the tank?

Bichirs surface periodically to gulp air, and without a secure lid they can jump and escape. A tight-fitting cover is recommended for peace of mind.

Saddled Bichir

The Saddled Bichir is a striking, large-bodied member of the Polypterus family, marked by irregular black bands across a yellowish-brown body — a pattern that gives the species its name. Its most distinctive feature is an underbite, with the lower jaw extending noticeably past the upper. Though carnivorous, it has a fairly calm temperament, often resting motionlessly on the substrate with the presence of a living fossil that has barely changed over time. Reaching up to 65cm, this large species calls for a tank sized for its adult form and the steady hand of an experienced keeper — a fish worth committing to for the long haul.

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About Saddled Bichir

The Saddled Bichir is a large, hardy Polypterus species with a black-banded body and a distinctive underbite. Reaching up to 65cm, it suits experienced aquarists seeking a striking, dinosaur-like fish.

7 things to know before welcoming a Saddled Bichir

1Grows to 65cm
The Saddled Bichir is a large Polypterus species that can reach up to 65cm. Juveniles start small but grow steadily, so plan your tank size around its adult length from the start.
2Distinctive Underbite
Its most defining trait is an underbite, with the lower jaw extending past the upper. Combined with the irregular black banding, this asymmetric jaw is what sets it apart from other Polypterus species.
3Carnivorous Diet
As a carnivore, it should be fed live or frozen food along with carnivore-formulated pellets. It usually adapts well to prepared foods, but keep portions in check to avoid overfeeding.
4Calm Temperament
Despite being a predator, it tends to have a fairly calm, unhurried demeanor. That said, any fish small enough to fit in its mouth may be seen as prey, so choose tankmates of a similar size.
5Air-Breathing Behavior
Bichirs have a lung-like organ and periodically rise to the surface to gulp air. Without a secure lid, they can jump and escape, so a tight-fitting cover is essential.
6Best Suited to Experienced Keepers
Its large adult size, strength (it can rearrange tank decor), and specific feeding needs make this a species recommended for experienced keepers. Make sure you have the space and setup ready before bringing one home.
7Plan for a Large Adult Tank
Since it can reach up to 65cm as an adult, a spacious tank with strong filtration is essential. Before bringing one home, plan ahead for the space and any tank upgrades needed to support it long-term.

Frequently asked questions about Saddled Bichir

Q.Can it be kept with other fish?: A.It may be housed with similarly sized fish, but any tankmate small enough to fit in its mouth risks being eaten. Since it's a carnivore, choose tankmates carefully.
Q.How large a tank does it need?: A.Since adults can reach up to 65cm, a large tank sized for its full-grown length is necessary. Plan ahead for tank upgrades as it grows, not just its size when you bring it home.
Q.What should I feed it?: A.As a carnivore, it should be fed live or frozen food along with carnivore-formulated pellets. It typically adapts to prepared foods once it settles in.
Q.Is this a good fish for beginners?: A.It's generally considered a species for experienced keepers due to its large adult size, strength, and specific feeding and water quality needs. Make sure you have the experience and setup in place before bringing one home.
Q.Can it jump out of the tank?: A.Bichirs surface periodically to gulp air, and without a secure lid they can jump and escape. A tight-fitting cover is recommended for peace of mind.