© RatioTile / CC BY-SA 4.0Teugels' bichir
Teugels' bichir is a bichir found only in the upper Cross River basin of Cameroon. Its look is unlike any other Polypterus: a black net-like pattern across the upper body, an orange belly and jet-black pectoral fins. The slender body reaches a maximum standard length of 41.5 cm (FishBase). It is rated as suited to intermediate keepers, and as a predatory fish that grows large, it needs a well-prepared setup. Reliable information on its lifespan is scarce, so it is best welcomed by someone ready for a long-term commitment.
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Apply as a breederTeugels' bichir key facts
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Size
- Up to 41.5 cm SL
- Temperature
- 25〜27℃
- Diet
- Carnivore (prawns, earthworms, mussels, fish pieces)
- Water Temperature & Quality
- 25-27°C, pH 7.4-7.5 (FishBase); Seriously Fish gives 25-28°C, pH 7.0-7.5 and 1-5 dH.
- Aquarium
- Seriously Fish suggests a 150 x 60 cm footprint; floor area matters more than depth. Use soft substrate with driftwood and smooth rocks for cover plus floating plants, and a gap-free lid, as bichirs are escape artists.
- Tank Mates & Compatibility
- Eats fish it can swallow but is otherwise fairly peaceful. Possible companions include other bichirs, Synodontis, Datnioides, knifefish and medium to large characins.
- Diet & Feeding
- Carnivorous and often refuses dried foods; give frozen or live prawns, earthworms, mussels and fish pieces. As it is nocturnal, feed around lights-out.
- Breeding & Egg-laying
- Not bred in captivity; its breeding behaviour and sexual differences are essentially unknown.
- Health & Cautions
- It can drown without access to air. Because it survives briefly out of water, escapes through gaps often end in the fish drying out, so seal the tank.
About Teugels' bichir
Teugels' bichir lives only in the upper Cross River of Cameroon. It has a black net-like pattern, an orange belly and black pectoral fins, and reaches up to 41.5 cm standard length. Care tips for intermediate keepers.
7 things to know before welcoming a Teugels' bichir
1Upper Cross River Native
Teugels' bichir lives only in the upper Cross River of Cameroon, so its natural range is very limited. Care information is not abundant, so gather what you can beforehand and use questions to the seller as part of your preparation.
2Distinctive Coloring
A black net-like pattern on the upper body, an orange belly and jet-black pectoral fins set it apart from other bichirs. The pattern varies from fish to fish, so compare the listing photos carefully.
3Grows to 41.5 cm
The maximum standard length is 41.5 cm, and the body is long and slender. Even if you start with a small fish, plan ahead for a wide tank where it can stretch out and turn around comfortably.
4Tank and Escape-Proofing
Bichirs gulp air at the surface, so leave some air space between the water and the lid. Keep the lid tightly closed and seal gaps around cords and pipes to prevent escapes.
5Predator: Tankmate Care
It is a predator, and fish or shrimp small enough to fit in its mouth are easily treated as food. If you keep tankmates, choose fish of similar build that will not be swallowed as they grow, and watch how they get along.
6Feeding and Water Quality
Feed mainly foods suited to carnivorous fish. Leftovers and waste can foul the water quickly, so generous filtration and regular water changes are essential. Adjust portions by watching its body shape to avoid overfeeding.
7Before You Bring It Home
Reliable lifespan data is scarce, so think about whether you can care for it over the long term. Check the fish's condition and feeding in the listing, and message the seller about anything unclear.
Frequently asked questions about Teugels' bichir
- Q.Can beginners keep this fish?
- A.It is rated as suited to intermediate keepers. It is a large, predatory fish that needs a spacious tank, solid filtration and escape-proofing, so some prior fishkeeping experience helps. Care information is limited, so do your research beforehand.
- Q.How large does it get?
- A.The maximum standard length is 41.5 cm (FishBase). Because the body is long and slender, plan for a wide tank that suits its adult size.
- Q.How long does it live?
- A.Reliable sources on its lifespan are scarce, so no clear figure can be given. It is best to set up your equipment and routine so you can look after it for a long time.
- Q.Can it live with other fish?
- A.It is a predator, so fish or shrimp that fit in its mouth may be eaten. If you try tankmates, choose fish of similar size and proceed carefully while observing their behavior.
- Q.How can I tell it from other bichirs?
- A.Look for the black net-like pattern on the upper body, the orange belly and the jet-black pectoral fins. This combination is not found in other bichirs, so check the color and pattern in the listing photos.
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