Tank setup
A minimum 300L aquarium suits Senegal Bichir. Match décor to natural behaviour — plants, rockwork, or open swimming room as needed.
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Monster Fish
Polypterus senegalus
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What to know before you buy.
The Senegal Bichir, often called the Dinosaur Eel, is the most commonly kept and widely available member of the bichir family. Its grey-beige coloration may be understated compared to its larger cousins, but its quirky personality, hardiness, and fascinating prehistoric biology make it an excellent introduction to polypterus keeping. It is one of the smaller bichir species, making it more manageable for hobbyists without pond-scale setups.
Key traits
Select a tank to see how this species fits.
Everything you need to keep Senegal Bichir healthy in a South African setup.
A minimum 300L aquarium suits Senegal Bichir. Match décor to natural behaviour — plants, rockwork, or open swimming room as needed.
Keep pH 6–8 and 24–28°C. Stable parameters matter more than chasing perfect numbers — acclimate new arrivals slowly.
Senegal Bichir is carnivore. Feed a varied diet appropriate for monster fish — quality flakes, pellets, or frozen foods sized to the mouth.
Senegal Bichir is generally semi-aggressive. Observe during feeding and at lights-out for true temperament.
Pair with similarly sized semi-aggressive tankmates in monster fish. Avoid fin-nippers or species that outgrow this fish.
Breeding notes for Senegal Bichir vary by line and water chemistry — ask your local shop about proven pairs in SA.
From hobbyists across SA.
Species that typically work alongside Senegal Bichir in a similar setup.
