Congo Bichir (Polypterus retropinnis)

The Congo Bichir is a mid-sized, slender bichir from the Congo River system with a relatively plain but elegant appearance: a gray-olive body with faint dark mottling and the characteristic serrated dorsal finlets of all polypterids. One of the more active and bold bichir species, it adapts well to aquarium life when provided with hiding spots and meaty foods. A good progression bichir after gaining experience with P. senegalus.

Provide a tight-fitting lid — bichirs escape from any gap. Feed meaty foods: earthworms, frozen fish pieces, prawns, large pellets. Keep with fish too large to be eaten. Fine sand substrate preferred. Can breathe atmospheric air — ensure surface access. Relatively tolerant of varied water conditions. Hides during the day — provide caves.