Species profile
Senegal Bichir
Polypterus senegalus
Semi aggressive
Moderate care
540 L minimum aquarium
25–50 cm adult size
Bottom all
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Large predatory air-breathing bichir requiring a broad, securely covered aquarium. Anything narrow enough to swallow should be considered potential prey.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–28 °C
pH
6–8
GH
5–19 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Bottom all
Territory level
Low
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
3.5
Usually not relentlessly aggressive toward similarly sized fish, but it is an opportunistic nocturnal predator. Provide floor space, hides and absolutely escape-proof gaps.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
No / caution
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Carnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
540 L
Minimum footprint
150 × 60 cm
Accepted scientific name
Polypterus senegalus
Alternative names
Gray Bichir, Cuvier's Bichir
Native range
Widely distributed across tropical Africa in multiple major river basins.
Natural habitat
Swamps, lagoons, sheltered margins and vegetated freshwater. Provide soft substrate, large hides, low-to-moderate flow and easy access to the surface for air breathing.
Diet & feeding
Natural foods include insects, crustaceans, molluscs, frogs and fish. Use quality carnivore pellets and varied aquatic invertebrate/frozen foods; feeder fish are unnecessary.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Mature males develop a broader, thicker anal fin used during spawning; females are generally fuller-bodied.
Breeding
Egg-scattering bichir. Courtship and spawning occur among vegetation; successful home breeding is possible but requires mature compatible fish and dedicated conditions.