Common Name: Ornate Bichir
Scientific Name: Polypterus ornatipinnis
Current Shipping Size: Approximately 3.5"–5"
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive / Predatory
Adult Size: Up to approximately 24 inches
Lifespan: 10–15+ years with proper care
Diet: Carnivore
Minimum Tank Size: 125+ gallons for adults; larger footprint strongly recommended
Origin: Central and East Africa
The Ornate Bichir is one of the most impressive and beautifully patterned members of the Polypterus genus. Featuring a prehistoric body shape, armored-looking scales, distinctive dorsal finlets, and bold dark-and-light markings, this species makes an incredible centerpiece fish for a large freshwater aquarium.
Ornate Bichirs are primitive, air-breathing fish with an elongated body and powerful pectoral fins. They are primarily active during the evening and nighttime hours and use their excellent sense of smell to locate food.
Although generally not aggressive toward fish too large to swallow, Ornate Bichirs are natural predators and should never be housed with small fish that can fit into their mouths.
The specimens currently offered are approximately 3.5"–5" in length.
Moderate
Ornate Bichirs are hardy fish once established, but their large adult size and predatory nature require careful aquarium planning.
A secure, tight-fitting lid is essential. Bichirs are excellent escape artists and can push through surprisingly small openings.
They are also capable of breathing atmospheric air, so access to the water's surface should always remain unobstructed.
Semi-Aggressive / Predatory
Ornate Bichirs are generally peaceful toward similarly sized fish but are opportunistic predators.
Any fish small enough to fit in the bichir's mouth should be considered potential food.
They are typically most active during low-light periods and may spend much of the daytime resting near the bottom of the aquarium.
Current Shipping Size: Approximately 3.5"–5"
Adult Ornate Bichirs can reach approximately 20–24 inches, making them one of the larger commonly kept bichir species.
Actual shipping size may vary slightly between individual fish.
With proper aquarium conditions and long-term care, Ornate Bichirs can live for many years, often exceeding a decade.
Because of their potential adult size and lifespan, they should be considered a long-term aquarium commitment.
Ornate Bichirs are carnivorous predators.
Suitable foods include:
Frozen shrimp
Prawns
Earthworms
Mussels
Krill
Pieces of fish
Carnivore pellets
Other high-quality meaty foods
Young Ornate Bichirs naturally consume worms, insect larvae, and other small prey, while adults consume increasingly larger prey items.
A varied diet is recommended for proper growth and condition.
Avoid relying exclusively on live feeder fish, as they can introduce parasites or disease and may provide an unbalanced diet.
A spacious aquarium with a large footprint is essential.
Juveniles: Can temporarily be maintained in smaller grow-out aquariums.
Adults: We recommend 125 gallons or larger, with significantly larger aquariums preferred for full-grown specimens.
Floor space is especially important. An adult Ornate Bichir can reach around 24 inches, and references recommend tanks approximately 72" x 24" or larger for mature specimens.
Provide:
Plenty of open bottom space
Driftwood and caves for hiding
Smooth rocks
Soft sand or smooth substrate
Strong filtration
A tightly secured lid
Temperature: 77–82°F
pH: 6.0–8.0
Hardness: Approximately 5–25 dGH
Stable water quality is extremely important.
Maintain:
Ammonia: 0 ppm
Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: As low as reasonably possible
Regular water changes and strong biological filtration are recommended because these large carnivorous fish can produce a significant amount of waste.
Ornate Bichirs are bottom-oriented predators that are generally peaceful with appropriately sized tank mates.
Potential tank mates may include:
Other similarly sized bichirs
Large Synodontis catfish
Large peaceful to semi-aggressive cichlids
Larger characins
Large barbs
Datnoids
Other robust fish too large to be swallowed
Avoid:
Small tetras
Small rasboras
Guppies
Small livebearers
Dwarf shrimp
Small catfish
Any fish that can fit into the bichir's mouth
They may appear peaceful around smaller fish for long periods and still eventually consume them, particularly at night.
Ornate Bichirs are excellent escape artists. A tight-fitting aquarium lid with all openings secured is mandatory.
Bichirs possess a specialized respiratory system that allows them to breathe atmospheric air, so they must always have access to the water's surface.
Photos are representative of the species. Individual coloration, pattern, markings, and body shape may vary naturally.
Current shipping size is approximately 3.5"–5".
Fish are typically shipped as healthy juveniles or young adults unless otherwise specified.
Because this species becomes very large, customers should plan for its adult aquarium requirements before purchasing.
Ornate Bichirs can reach approximately 20–24 inches as adults. FishBase lists a maximum size of around 60 cm, or about 24 inches.
Our current Ornate Bichirs are approximately 3.5"–5" long. Individual sizes may vary slightly.
Yes, provided the tank mates are large enough that the bichir cannot swallow them and are not aggressive enough to injure the bichir.
Yes. Ornate Bichirs are natural predators and may eat any fish that can fit into their mouths.
Absolutely. Bichirs are strong escape artists, so the aquarium should have a tight-fitting lid with gaps and openings securely covered.
They may be seen during the day, especially once comfortable in the aquarium, but bichirs are naturally more active during evening and nighttime hours.
