Barred Bichir Care Guide - Aquarium Setup, Diet & Breeding

The Barred Bichir is an ancient-looking freshwater fish with a long, muscular body, a broad flattened head and a series of small dorsal finlets along its back. Its olive-grey to brown coloration is marked with dark vertical bars and irregular blotches, giving it excellent camouflage among roots, fallen leaves and shaded vegetation. The pectoral fins are large and paddle-like, adding to its prehistoric appearance.

Polypterus delhezi is a bottom-dwelling ambush predator that spends much of its time moving slowly through the lower levels of the aquarium or resting among cover. It is generally peaceful toward fish it cannot swallow, although it will readily consume suitably sized prey. Barred Bichirs are mostly nocturnal and often become more active during the evening and after the aquarium lights go out.

This species belongs to the ancient polypterid lineage, whose members retain several unusual primitive features. It has a lung-like organ that allows it to breathe atmospheric air, and it may occasionally rise to the surface for a gulp of air. Its distinctive dorsal finlets can be raised independently, creating a striking display when the fish is alert.

In the wild, Barred Bichirs use their strong sense of smell to locate prey in murky, slow-moving water. They can also move over short distances across damp ground using their muscular fins and body, although they should never be allowed to escape from an aquarium. With good care, they become long-lived, characterful fish that often learn to associate their keeper with feeding time.

Barred Bichirs are native to the Congo River basin in Central Africa, particularly the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They inhabit slow-moving rivers, floodplain waters, swamps and other heavily vegetated freshwater habitats.

A single adult Barred Bichir should have at least 250 litres, with a footprint of roughly 120 x 45 cm; a larger aquarium is preferable as the fish matures or if more than one is kept. Use a soft sand substrate or smooth fine gravel so it can forage without damaging its underside, along with caves, driftwood, sturdy plants and other shaded retreats. Leave open floor space for cruising and provide a clear route to the surface for air breathing. The aquarium must have a secure, tightly fitting lid because Barred Bichirs are powerful escape artists, with no gaps around equipment or cables.

Barred Bichirs can reach about 35 cm (14 in) in captivity, with exceptional individuals growing to around 40 cm (16 in). Females are usually broader and can grow slightly larger than males.

Barred Bichirs are carnivores and should be offered a varied diet of sinking carnivore pellets, earthworms, chopped prawns, mussel, fish flesh and other meaty foods. Frozen foods are useful, while appropriately sized live foods can encourage reluctant or newly acquired specimens to feed. Feed after lights out when possible, and remove uneaten food promptly. Do not rely on feeder fish, which can introduce disease and provide poor nutrition.

Barred Bichirs can live with robust, peaceful fish that are too large to be swallowed, including medium to large Congo tetras, larger rainbowfish, suitably sized Synodontis catfish and other calm African species. They may also be kept with similarly sized bichirs if the aquarium has ample floor space and hiding places. Avoid tiny fish, shrimp, small crayfish and delicate bottom dwellers, all of which may be treated as prey. Highly aggressive cichlids and fin-nipping species are poor choices because they may injure this slow-moving fish or compete aggressively for food.

Breeding Barred Bichirs is uncommon in home aquariums and usually requires a large, mature setup with seasonal changes in temperature and water conditions. The pair performs an elaborate courtship before the female releases eggs into a broad-leaved spawning mop or dense plants, where the male receives and fertilises them. Remove the adults after spawning, as both eggs and newly hatched larvae may be eaten. The eggs hatch in several days, and the larvae need very small live foods before they can accept larger offerings.

Males are generally smaller and slimmer than females. The male's anal fin is noticeably broader and thicker, while the female has a narrower anal fin and a fuller body, especially when carrying eggs.