Polypterus Senegalus | Senegal Bichir
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Please note that we do not ship live animals. You can order online and collect in store.
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🐟 Senegal Bichir Care Sheet
🔹 Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Polypterus senegalus |
| Common Name | Senegal Bichir, Dinosaur Eel, Senegal Polypterus |
| Origin | West Africa (Senegal, Niger, Gambia, Sudan) |
| Adult Size | 30–45 cm (12–18 in) |
| Lifespan | 10–15 years |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive; predatory, territorial toward smaller fish |
| Tank Level | Bottom-dweller / mid-level swimmer |
🔹 Tank Setup
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Tank Size | 200+ liters (55+ gallons) for a single adult |
| Temperature | 24–28 °C (75–82 °F) |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| Hardness | Soft to medium (5–15 dGH) |
| Substrate | Sand or fine gravel (smooth to avoid injury) |
| Decor | Driftwood, rocks, caves, dense plants |
| Lighting | Low to moderate |
| Filtration | Moderate to strong; well-oxygenated water |
Care Notes:
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Nocturnal or crepuscular—most active at dawn and dusk.
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Requires secure tank lid; can breathe atmospheric air using its lungs.
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Provide plenty of hiding spots; prefers calm water.
🔹 Diet
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Type: Carnivorous / predatory
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Best Foods: Live/frozen fish, shrimp, worms, bloodworms, earthworms, sinking pellets for carnivores
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Feeding Frequency: Every 1–2 days; avoid overfeeding
🔹 Behavior & Compatibility
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Generally peaceful with larger tankmates but will eat small fish.
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Semi-aggressive and territorial toward other bottom dwellers of similar size.
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Can coexist with medium to large cichlids, large catfish, and other bichirs.
🧭 Tank Mate Guide
✅ Compatible Species
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Larger peaceful or semi-aggressive cichlids
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Large catfish (Synodontis, Plecos)
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Large rainbowfish and other robust species
⚠️ Avoid
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Small fish under 5–7 cm (likely to be eaten)
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Aggressive species that compete for the same territory
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Overcrowded tanks
🐣 Breeding Info
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Difficulty: Very difficult in captivity
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Method: Egg scatterers in shallow pits; parental care minimal
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Notes: Mostly bred by advanced aquarists or professional breeders
🌿 Fun Facts
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Known as a “living fossil” due to primitive lung structure and external gills in juveniles.
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Can breathe atmospheric air—requires access to the surface.
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Calm, slow-moving predator; fascinating behavior for large tanks.
Please note We don't ship live animals. You can order online and choose click and collect and we will hold it for you.
