SENGALESE BICHIR

SENGALESE BICHIR

Descriptions:

• Bichirs are living fossils belonging to the Polypteridae family. They are a sister family of ray-finned fishes that have developed similar characteristics such as a pair of functional lungs and the Ampullae of Lorenzini (organs that can sense electricity, also known as electroreceptors).

• They belong to the genus Polypterus, which means ‘many wings’ – given due to their look. There are about 12 species in this genus recognized as Bichirs all from freshwater systems of tropical Africa.

• These are quite large and aggressive fish that requires large tanks.

• They are recommended for experienced aquarists as they require special attention with their carnivorous diet and tank conditions.

• Most of the specimens you find available are caught in the wild – they are not commercially bred.

• Bichirs are predatory fish, with a moderately aggressive temperament. They are problematic when kept with smaller size fish, as they will nip at their fins or even eat them. However, they seem to have no problems sharing their tank with larger fish.

• These fish are bottom-dwellers and will spend most of their time near the bottom of the tank. They are nocturnal animals and prefer feeding during the night. They have poor eyesight and rely mainly on their other senses to find food.

Feeding Directions:

• In an aquarium, the simplest option is to use pellet foods. These have been designed to contain all the nutrition your fish need. Hikari Gold, Sinking Gold or Hikari Sinking Carnivore, Hikari food stick and Hikari Algae wafers.
• Live/frozen foods (which are full of protein). These include bloodworms, brine shrimp. Live foods encourage Bichirs to catch their food which brings out their natural hunting instincts.

Specifications:

• Species:  Polypterus Senegalus
• Common Name: Dinosaur Fish, Dinosaur Bichir
• Origin: Africa (Niger River, Nile River)
• Diet: Carnivorous
• PH Range: 6.5 – 7.5
• Temperature: Tropical 26°c – 28°c
• Breed Type: Egg Layer
• Current Size: Approx 9-12cm (Grows to approx. 50cm)
• Sex: Un-sexed
• 
  

CARE GUIDELINES:

• Bichirs require more care than most other species. This makes regular cleaning very important, or they will deteriorate quickly. Perform 20-30% water changes at least once a week.
• The bichir are hardier than most fish, so they don’t get sick often, but they can get ill like all species.

Tank Mates:

• Stingray
• Oscar
• Flowerhorn
• Severum
• Flagtail
• Tinfoil Barb

Can orgainsed a Freight for Interstate.

• New South Wale
• Victoria
• Queensland's
• South Australia.
• Western Australia
• Tasmania

WE DO NOT SEND TO:

• Northern Territory

Prior to purchasing the Sengalese Bichir:

Please send us an email to sales@vincenzosaquatics.com.au for freight related cost and states regulations. if you have any questions about our range please send us an email to sales@vincenzosaquatics.com.au