Ornate Bichir

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Polypterus ornatipinnis - Heckel, 1847
Ornate Bichir

Intriguing and beautiful but lots of trouble. Neil Hepworth

[edit] Overview

Although appealing when young, many of the African species turn into large, aggressive and predatory fishes with sharp teeth. They are escape artists and have also been known to attack the hands of their owners. Other bichir species have similar size and behavior profiles.

Family: Polypteridae

Other common name(s):

Native range:

Habitat: Swamps, streams and rivers.

Maximum length: 63 cm (25 in)

Minimum aquarium size: 380 L (100 gal)

Water: Freshwater 22 °C (295 K, 72 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)

General swimming level: Bottom.

[edit] Feeding

A fish eater that will also take crustaceans and snails.

[edit] Aquarium Compatibility

A menace as it grows, with sharp teeth and predatory instincts. Not a recommended community fish, unless the aquarium is large and populated by big, rugged tankmates.

[edit] Breeding/Propagation

Not reported.

Reference: 101 Best Tropical Fishes
Image credit: NH
Text credit: KW
Facts about Ornate BichirRDF feed
Common name Ornate Bichir  +
Family Polypteridae  +
Genus Polypterus  +
Image credit NH  +
Maximum length 25 in  +
Minimum aquarium size 100 gal  +
Native range Africa  +, Nile River  +, Niger River  +, Chad River Basin  +, and Volta River  +
Reference 101 Best Tropical Fishes  +
Specific name ornatipinnis  +
Swimming level Bottom.  +
Text credit KW  +
Water max temp 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F)  +
Water min temp 295 K (22 °C, 72 °F)  +
Water type Freshwater  +
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