Congicus Bichir

Polypterus congicus is one of the largest polypterids, with documented specimens exceeding 90cm in total length from the main Congo River and its major tributaries. Its body is thick and powerfully muscular, with olive-brown colouration and faint irregular dark markings. In the aquarium it is a deliberate, powerful predator capable of consuming very large prey items, and its sheer body mass means it outgrows standard home setups within a few years of purchase. A minimum tank length of three metres is considered appropriate for a mature adult. Despite its size it is not actively aggressive toward fish it cannot eat. Its care is broadly straightforward — it is a tough, resilient bichir — but the spatial and filtration requirements are extreme. Recommended only for keepers with purpose-built large fish facilities.

Water: 26–30°C, pH 6.5–7.5, moderate hardness acceptable; industrial-scale filtration mandatory at full size. Tank: Minimum 600L as a juvenile; adult requires 1500L+; bare or fine-sand bottom, very robust lid and tank cover. Feeding: Carnivore; large earthworms, whole fish, large prawns, substantial sinking carnivore pellets. Breeding: No established captive breeding record for this species; not feasible in private settings. Compatibility: Only the largest, most robust fish are suitable; will consume almost anything it encounters.