Ornate Bichir
Polypterus ornatipinnis
What you need to keep a Ornate Bichir
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pH
6.5–8
Temperature
24–28 °C
Max size
50 cm
Min tank
600 L
Where to buy
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Overview
What to know before you buy.
The Ornate Bichir is widely regarded as the most beautiful member of the Polypterus family, featuring an intricate pattern of dark brown to black marbling and spotting across its body and fins on a lighter background. Native to the Congo River basin, Lake Tanganyika, and surrounding waterways, it is a moderately large bichir that combines stunning aesthetics with the fascinating prehistoric physiology shared by all polypterid species.
Key traits
Care guide
Keeping Ornate Bichir healthy in a South African setup.
Tank setup
A minimum 600L aquarium suits Ornate Bichir. Use robust décor and sight breaks so each fish can hold its own space.
Water parameters
Keep pH 6.5–8 and 24–28°C. Stable parameters matter more than chasing perfect numbers; acclimate new arrivals slowly.
Feeding
Carnivore. Feed small amounts it clears in a couple of minutes, and vary the diet.
Behaviour
Semi-aggressive. Watch it at feeding time and at lights-out to see its real temperament in your tank.
Tankmates
Choose robust tankmates of similar size, and nothing small enough to be eaten. Add Ornate Bichir last so territories reset.
Breeding
Ornate Bichir can breed in home aquariums with a conditioned pair and stable water.
Community photos
From hobbyists across SA.
Market intelligence
Price trends and buyer demand — data only FishHub tracks.
Price history — last 90 days
SA price range this month: R225–250 · Average: R238
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