Ornate Bichir

Polypterus ornatipinnis

Also known as: Ornate Birchir

A heavily patterned, prehistoric-looking bichir that grows into a large night hunter.

Water

Freshwater

Temperature

75–82°F

pH

6–8

Hardness

5–20 dGH

Max size

24 in

Min tank

125 gal

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

Social

Solitary

Swim level

Bottom

Diet

Carnivore

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

15-20 years

Breeding

Egg-scatterer

Suitability

Advanced

Origin

Congo River basin and Lake Tanganyika drainage

Reaches about 2 feet and eats any fish it can swallow, so plan a very large tank. Tankmates must be too big to eat. Use a tight lid because bichirs escape, and feed meaty sinking foods.