Senegal Bichir

Senegal Bichir key facts

Care level

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

10-15 years

Size

35-50cm

Temperature

24〜28℃

Diet

Meaty foods such as prawn, white fish, earthworms and frozen bloodworm

Tank

Floor space matters more than depth. Seriously Fish suggests a 150 x 60cm base of about 540 litres. Use a soft substrate with driftwood and smooth rocks arranged as hiding places, and always fit a tight cover because it is an excellent escape artist.

Water Temperature & Quality

Seriously Fish gives 24-28C, pH 6.2-7.8 and 5-20dGH; FishBase records pH 6.0-8.0, 5-19dH and 25-28C in the wild. It is fairly tolerant of water chemistry, but leave an air gap above the water because it breathes atmospheric oxygen.

Tank Mates

It cannot be trusted with anything it can fit in its mouth but is relatively peaceful otherwise. Suitable companions include other Polypterus, Synodontis, Datnoides, knifefish, larger Ctenopoma, medium to large characins and African butterflyfish.

Diet & Feeding

A predator that readily takes meaty foods such as prawn and white fish, plus frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp. Some individuals accept good-quality cichlid pellets. Its eyesight is poor, so drop food where it can find it.

Breeding & Spawning

Seriously Fish states that hobbyists have not achieved it. In the wild it spawns in the rainy season: the male cups his anal and caudal fins around the female's vent to receive the eggs, fertilises them and scatters them among vegetation. They hatch in three to four days.

Health & Notes

A very hardy nocturnal fish. Jumping is a common accident, so secure the lid. It eats anything that fits in its mouth, so tankmates should be at least half its size. The IUCN assesses it as Least Concern and it is not listed by CITES.

About Senegal Bichir

The Senegal bichir is an ancient, lung-breathing fish with an elongated gray-to-brown body. A small, hardy member of the bichir family with a calm temperament, it's a popular choice for beginners.

7 things to know before welcoming a Senegal Bichir

1. 1Surfacing to Breathe

   Senegal bichirs breathe air with a lung, so they regularly rise to the surface for a breath. Keep the water level and tank layout open enough that they can reach the surface easily.

2. 2Plan for Adult Size

   Adults typically reach 35 to 50 cm. Even though juveniles start out small, plan ahead for a tank spacious enough to comfortably house them once fully grown.

3. 3Calm, Easygoing Temperament

   This species has a relatively calm temperament for a bichir. That said, any fish small enough to fit in its mouth may be seen as food, so choose tankmates of a suitable size.

4. 4Use a Secure Lid

   Bichirs can startle and jump, even though they're mostly bottom-dwellers. A well-fitted lid with no gaps helps prevent an unexpected escape.

5. 5Nocturnal and Shy by Day

   They tend to stay tucked away during the day and become more active at night. Providing driftwood or other hiding spots lets them display their natural behavior.

6. 6Hardy and Beginner-Friendly

   As one of the smaller, hardier bichir species, it's often recommended as an entry point into the genus. Even so, avoid sudden changes in water parameters, as bichirs are sensitive to them.

7. 7Cycle the Tank First

   Cycle your filter before bringing your fish home. Since transport is stressful, keep the tank calm and quiet for a while after introducing them.

Frequently asked questions about Senegal Bichir

Q.Can it be kept with other fish?

A.Senegal bichirs have a relatively calm temperament and generally do well with tankmates of a similar or larger size. Just be aware that any fish small enough to fit in its mouth may be eaten.

Q.What should I feed it?

A.It's a carnivore that accepts pellets, frozen food, and live food. It will eat almost anything that fits in its mouth, so aim for a varied, balanced diet.

Q.Does it jump out of the tank?

A.Yes, bichirs are known to jump when startled. A secure, gap-free lid is strongly recommended to prevent escapes.

Q.How big a tank does it need?

A.Since adults reach roughly 35 to 50 cm, you'll want a tank with enough length and footprint to match that size, and to reassess as they grow.

Q.It barely moves during the day — is that normal?

A.Yes, Senegal bichirs tend to be nocturnal and often stay hidden during the day. It's normal for them to become more active at night.

Useful tools for Senegal Bichir care

Learn more about Senegal Bichir in the encyclopedia

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