West African Bichir
Polypterus senegalus
The West African Bichir (Polypterus senegalus) is an aggressive fish that's best left to experienced keepers. Give it a tank of at least 200 litres (53 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.
West African Bichir Tank Setup
Treat 200 litres (53 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 35 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 West African 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.
West African Bichir Tank Mates
Predatory; may eat small fish or inverts. Requires a large tank and good filtration. The West African 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 West African 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.
West African Bichir - frequently asked questions
What size tank do West African Bichirs need?
West African Bichirs need a tank of at least 200 litres (53 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 West African 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 West African Bichirs eat?
West African 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 West African Bichirs good for beginners?
West African 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 West African Bichirs
- Underestimating tank size - the minimum footprint is 200 litres (53 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 West African 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
