Ornate Bichir
Polypterus ornatipinnis
The Ornate Bichir (Polypterus ornatipinnis) is an aggressive fish that's best left to experienced keepers. Give it a tank of at least 650 litres (172 US gallons), water held at 77-82°F, and a pH of 6.5-8.
Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.
Natural distribution
Various
- Africa
Regional colours match the stocking calculator's origin map.
Ornate Bichir Tank Setup
Treat 650 litres (172 US gallons) as a starting point - big predators need length, strong filtration, and a secure lid. Hold the water at 77-82°F and pH 6.5-8, and assume anything small enough to swallow will eventually be eaten. They grow to around 55 cm, so plan the tank size and filtration for a full-grown adult rather than the small juvenile you see in the shop.
What Do Ornate Bichirs Eat?
They're meat-eaters, so feed good-quality frozen or gel foods rather than relying on generic flake. Go easy on portions - leftover protein fouls the water faster than plant foods do.
Ornate Bichir Tank Mates
Predatory; may eat small fish or inverts. Requires a large tank and good filtration. The Ornate Bichir is aggressive, which is the first thing to weigh up when you choose tank mates. It's predatory, so anything small enough to fit in its mouth will be treated as food rather than a companion. Before you buy, run your full stocking list through our stocking calculator. It weighs temperament, adult size, and water needs together, which a single species page can't do on its own.
Are Ornate Bichirs Good for Beginners?
Not a sensible first purchase. Get the tank cycled, keep easier fish stable for a year, then revisit if you still want the extra work this species demands.
Ornate Bichir - frequently asked questions
What size tank do Ornate Bichirs need?
Ornate Bichirs need a tank of at least 650 litres (172 US gallons). A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable, and gives them more room to settle in and behave naturally.
What water parameters do Ornate Bichirs need?
Keep them at 77-82°F with a pH of 6.5-8, steady rather than chased to an exact figure. In a cycled tank, ammonia and nitrite should both read 0 ppm, with nitrate kept low through regular water changes.
What do Ornate Bichirs eat?
Ornate Bichirs are meat-eaters. Feed good-quality frozen or gel foods rather than relying on generic flake, and don't overfeed. Feed small amounts once or twice a day, and remove anything they don't eat.
Are Ornate Bichirs good for beginners?
Ornate Bichirs are not a beginner species. They need precise conditions and consistent maintenance, so build experience with hardier fish before keeping them.
Common mistakes with Ornate Bichirs
- Underestimating tank size - the minimum footprint is 650 litres (172 US gallons); impulse buying into a smaller tank leads to stress and shortened lifespan.
Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.
Great tank mates
Chosen from temperament, overlapping temperature/pH bands, plausible minimum tank footprints, and size versus yours in App-aquatic data. Hobby nuance always wins - verify stocking and temperament before purchasing.
Fish to avoid mixing with Ornate Bichirs
These well-known species are commonly sold alongside this fish but are not recommended tank mates - verify before purchasing.
- OscarPredator - Oscar will eat or injure smaller tank mates
- Serpae TetraFin nipper - will shred the fins of peaceful fish
- Bronze CoryIncompatible temperament or care requirements
