Dinosaur Bichir is a fascinating fish that has captured the attention of many aquarists over the years.
This unique species has an interesting history and some unique features that make it a popular choice for home aquariums.
In this comprehensive guide, we will take a closer look at Dinosaur Bichir and everything you need to know about keeping them as pets!
We we look at the different types of Dinosaur Bichir, behavior, care, tank requirements, plus much more.
Species Summary
Dinosaur Bichir (Polypterus bichir) are a tropical freshwater fish that are native to Northeast Africa.
Some of these countries include Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya and senegal.
As part of the Polypteridae family, these ancient-looking fish live in swampy, shallow waters and can grow up to 18 inches in length.
Dinosaur Bichirs get their name from their primitive, reptilian-like features including their long bodies, small scales, and external gills.
About Dinosaur Bichir
Types Of Bichirs
Dinosaur Bichir
This is one of the most popular types of Bichirs. Although their bodies are similar in shape to other Bichirs, they are a little smaller and mostly grey with sometimes a hint of pink and blue.
Albino Bichir
Also extremely popular and virtually identical to the classic bichir but white in color and red eyes.
Ornate Bichir
Reaching up to two feet in length, the Ornate Bichir is very aesthetically pleasing to look at, with black flecks on a yellow base.
Saddled Bichir
Reaching up to two and a half feet in length, the saddled bichir (Polypterus endlicheri) is the largest of all types of bichir.
As well as their size, the other thing that makes them different is their slightly protruding jaw.
They also feature black/dark grey stripes on top of a yellow body.
Delhezi Bichir
Although virtually identical in terms of size and shape to a typical bichir, it’s the interesting color patterns that differentiate the Delhezi Bichir.
With some short black stripes, they also feature flecks of green and yellow.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of a Bichir is about 10-15 years, but some have been known to live for over 20 years in captivity.
In the wild, their lifespan is likely shorter due to predation and disease.
Size
On average, Dinosaur Bichirs will grow between 30-60cm (11.8inch-23.6inch) long.
Behavior & Temperament
As Dinosaur Bichir are carnivores, they can have a tendency to be a little aggressive, but only when kept with other fish the same size or smaller.
They are pretty active fish who are bottom-dwellers, but will rise to the surface of the water for a gulp of air on a regular basis.
Most of their activity will happen during the night as they are nocturnal.
Appearance
Bichirs are a very unique looking fish and look like something from Jurassic Park.
They have long bodies with a series of spiny fins running down their back. They also have a long dorsal fin and an anal fin.
With the exception of just a small patch found on the underside of their heads, their body is very scaly with the appearance of a reptile.
Their tail is forked and they have two large pectoral fins which are used for mobility.
Two small tentacle-like extensions found on their nose are used for both navigation and for smelling.
Tank & Water Requirements
Tank Size
Due to their size, the recommended tank size for a Dinosaur Bichir is at least a 90 gallon for just one Bichir.
Water Parameters
Dinosaur Bichirs are very hardy, and therefore tolerant to a wide range of water parameters. That being said, it is advised to stick to the following recommendations:
- Water temperature: 74°F to 82°F
- pH levels: 6.2 to 7.8
- Water hardness: Soft
- KH: 5-20 dKH
Lighting
As Bichirs are nocturnal by nature, we suggest user dimmer lighting for their aquarium.
A great option for this is blue LED lighting. The ambient blue does an excellent job of simulating natural moonlight.
Substrate
As Bichir are bottom-dwellers, it’s important to get the correct substrate!
The best substrate for a Bichir tank is a sandy bottom.
This is because Bichirs like to sift through the sand in search of food, and a sandy bottom makes it easier for them to do so.
It’s important to avoid any substrates that are too small, as these can be ingested.
It’s also important to avoid gravel substrate as it can be too rough on their bellies.
Tank Decorations
This species of fish isn’t picky and do not need any special requirements, but you can add driftwood, caves and plants for aesthetical purposes.
Common Possible Diseases
There are no unusual diseases that are specific to this species that you should be concerned about.
But like other fish, they are susceptible to common diseases if their environment is not properly maintained.
Some common diseases that can affect Bichirs are:
- Ich: A disease caused by a protozoa that results in white spots, and twitching.
- Cloudy eye: Caused by poor water quality.
- Fin Rot: A disease that causes the fins to rot and eventually fall off.
- Hole in the Head: A disease that causes pits or holes to form on the head of the fish.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to take action.
As long as you maintain a clean and healthy tank, your Bichir should be just fine.
Food & Diet
Dinosaur Bichirs are carnivores and require a diet of protein-rich foods. Another important thing to consider is that this species of fish have a nocturnal nature and will eat at night.
You may think that you can reprogram to eat in the daytime, but this is never really going to work.
It’s always best to stick with their natural feeding behavior which is going to result in happy and healthy fish.
A combination of frozen, dry and live foods are best. Some good options include:
- Bloodworms
- Brine shrimp
- Ox heart
- Weather loaches
- Nightcrawlers
Pellets or flake food can be used to supplement their diet, but don’t rely on them as the primary food source.
As Bichir are bottom-dwellers, it’s important to ensure that they receive enough food if you also have other species of fish in the same tank.
If you don’t keep a close eye on them, they can easily become underfed.
Bichir Tank Mates
As previously mentioned, Bichir are naturla carnivores and can be aggressive with fish smaller or of a similar size.
The best tank mates for this species are ones that are a bit larger.
Some good examples of potential tank mates are:
- Clown Loaches
- Jack Dempsey Fish
- Oscar Fish
- Silver Dollar Fish
- Flowerhorn Cichlids
Breeding
Not a lot of information is available on breeding this species of fish, as Dinosaur Bichir do not typically breed in aquariums.
The ones available in pet stores are generally caught in the wild.
Slightly different water and tank conditions are required for each type of bichir, so a lot of experimentation is required.
Interesting Facts About Dinosaur Bichirs
- As long as their scales stay moist, Bichirs can survive a long time out of water.
- Bichirs have a special swim bladder that allows them to breath air.
- Bichirs have been around for 60 million years.
- Bichirs can use their dorsal fins to to manoeuvre around on land.
- The average litter size of a Bichir is 300 eggs.
- Bichirs have an extraordinary sense of smell that they use to search for prey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big do dinosaur Bichirs get?
In general, most species of Bichirs will grow between 30cm-60cm (11.8 and 23.6 inches) long.
Saddled bichirs and congo bichirs are two of the largest species that can grow up to 75cm (29.5 inches).
Are Bichirs aggressive?
Bichirs are natural carnivores and can be aggressive towards other fish of a similar size or smaller. Not only will they bully them but them may also eat them.
How much does a dinosaur bichir cost?
You can pick up a small dinosaur bichir for around $10 from most local aquarium stores.
Is bichir a good community fish?
As long as you do not put bichirs in with fish that are similar size or smaller, then they will make excellent tank mates.
Does bichir jump?
Bichir will only generally jump when they are frightened due to being chased by other fish. To ensure that they do not jump out of the tank, invest in a lid for your aquarium.
Can bichir live out of water?
Bichir can surprisingly survive for extended periods outside of the water due to a specialized swim bladder that functions as lungs. They also have very strong fins that allows them to manoeuvre on land.
Dinosaur Bichir Conclusion
If you are looking for a freshwater fish that is unique and a little out of the ordinary, then the Dinosaur Bichir is for you!
Remember to set the tank up correctly with stable water parameters and using a soft substrate to ensure it doesn’t injure your bichir.
Do you own dinosaur bichir? Let us know about your experience with this species in the comments below.
