Freshwater
Bichir
More details
Marbled Bichir (Polypterus palmas polli)
Pro
Pro
Description
The Marbled Bichir is a prehistoric-looking, bottom-dwelling predator with distinctive mottled patterns and a snake-like body. Known for its armored scales, primitive lungs, and nocturnal behavior, it adds a striking, ancient presence to large aquariums.
Difficulty Level
Intermediate Care
Region
Marbled Bichir (Polypterus palmas polli)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Hardy and adaptable, but requires a large tank, secure lid, and carnivorous diet. Sensitive to sharp decor and poor oxygenation.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Mostly captive-bred in the aquarium trade. Wild collection is limited but habitat degradation in West Africa poses ecological risks.
Origin
Native to slow-moving rivers and floodplains in West Africa, particularly in the Congo and Ouémé River basins.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Elongated, eel-like body with marbled brown and gray patterning. Multiple dorsal finlets and thick pectoral fins give it a primitive, armored appearance. Its surface-breathing behavior and creeping movements are uniquely engaging.
Purpose
A nocturnal bottom predator that cleans up leftover meaty foods. Often used in oddball or predator tanks for its character and ancient aesthetic.
Importance
A great introduction to the Bichir group. Its hardiness and moderate size make it manageable for experienced hobbyists wanting a semi-predatory species without extreme aggression.
Included Resources
Requires a soft sand or rounded substrate, hiding places, and a tight-fitting lid (they are escape artists). Gentle flow and supplemental oxygenation help mimic native environments.
Best Use Cases
Ideal for West African river biotopes, oddball tanks, or predator-themed aquariums. Compatible with large, peaceful tankmates that won't nip its fins or fit in its mouth.
Conservation Context
Not currently endangered, but faces pressure from pollution and deforestation in native range. Aquarium trade relies on both wild and captive sources—opt for farm-raised when available.
Ideal Tank Mates
• Rope fish
• Large peaceful cichlids (e.g., Severums, Geophagus)
• Silver dollars
• Non-aggressive catfish (e.g., Synodontis, Raphael)
• Avoid small or fast schooling fish
Region (A)
• Latitude: 7.3775° N
• Longitude: 2.7076° E
(Ouémé River basin, Benin)
Region (B)
• Latitude: -3.7345° S
• Longitude: 14.8649° E
(Upper Congo Basin, Democratic Republic of Congo)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Marbled Bichir (Polypterus palmas polli)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Hardy and adaptable, but requires a large tank, secure lid, and carnivorous diet. Sensitive to sharp decor and poor oxygenation.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Mostly captive-bred in the aquarium trade. Wild collection is limited but habitat degradation in West Africa poses ecological risks.
Origin
Native to slow-moving rivers and floodplains in West Africa, particularly in the Congo and Ouémé River basins.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Elongated, eel-like body with marbled brown and gray patterning. Multiple dorsal finlets and thick pectoral fins give it a primitive, armored appearance. Its surface-breathing behavior and creeping movements are uniquely engaging.
Purpose
A nocturnal bottom predator that cleans up leftover meaty foods. Often used in oddball or predator tanks for its character and ancient aesthetic.
Importance
A great introduction to the Bichir group. Its hardiness and moderate size make it manageable for experienced hobbyists wanting a semi-predatory species without extreme aggression.
Included Resources
Requires a soft sand or rounded substrate, hiding places, and a tight-fitting lid (they are escape artists). Gentle flow and supplemental oxygenation help mimic native environments.
Best Use Cases
Ideal for West African river biotopes, oddball tanks, or predator-themed aquariums. Compatible with large, peaceful tankmates that won't nip its fins or fit in its mouth.
Conservation Context
Not currently endangered, but faces pressure from pollution and deforestation in native range. Aquarium trade relies on both wild and captive sources—opt for farm-raised when available.
Ideal Tank Mates
• Rope fish
• Large peaceful cichlids (e.g., Severums, Geophagus)
• Silver dollars
• Non-aggressive catfish (e.g., Synodontis, Raphael)
• Avoid small or fast schooling fish
Region (A)
• Latitude: 7.3775° N
• Longitude: 2.7076° E
(Ouémé River basin, Benin)
Region (B)
• Latitude: -3.7345° S
• Longitude: 14.8649° E
(Upper Congo Basin, Democratic Republic of Congo)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Marbled Bichir (Polypterus palmas polli)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Hardy and adaptable, but requires a large tank, secure lid, and carnivorous diet. Sensitive to sharp decor and poor oxygenation.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Mostly captive-bred in the aquarium trade. Wild collection is limited but habitat degradation in West Africa poses ecological risks.
Origin
Native to slow-moving rivers and floodplains in West Africa, particularly in the Congo and Ouémé River basins.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Elongated, eel-like body with marbled brown and gray patterning. Multiple dorsal finlets and thick pectoral fins give it a primitive, armored appearance. Its surface-breathing behavior and creeping movements are uniquely engaging.
Purpose
A nocturnal bottom predator that cleans up leftover meaty foods. Often used in oddball or predator tanks for its character and ancient aesthetic.
Importance
A great introduction to the Bichir group. Its hardiness and moderate size make it manageable for experienced hobbyists wanting a semi-predatory species without extreme aggression.
Included Resources
Requires a soft sand or rounded substrate, hiding places, and a tight-fitting lid (they are escape artists). Gentle flow and supplemental oxygenation help mimic native environments.
Best Use Cases
Ideal for West African river biotopes, oddball tanks, or predator-themed aquariums. Compatible with large, peaceful tankmates that won't nip its fins or fit in its mouth.
Conservation Context
Not currently endangered, but faces pressure from pollution and deforestation in native range. Aquarium trade relies on both wild and captive sources—opt for farm-raised when available.
Ideal Tank Mates
• Rope fish
• Large peaceful cichlids (e.g., Severums, Geophagus)
• Silver dollars
• Non-aggressive catfish (e.g., Synodontis, Raphael)
• Avoid small or fast schooling fish
Region (A)
• Latitude: 7.3775° N
• Longitude: 2.7076° E
(Ouémé River basin, Benin)
Region (B)
• Latitude: -3.7345° S
• Longitude: 14.8649° E
(Upper Congo Basin, Democratic Republic of Congo)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Marbled Bichir (Polypterus palmas polli)
Region
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