Armored Bichir (Polypterus delhezi) - 10cm

The Armored Bichir (Polypterus delhezi), also known as the Barred Bichir, is one of the most striking members of the ancient Polypterus family. Featuring a series of bold vertical black bands across a silver-grey body, this prehistoric-looking fish is a true centrepiece for larger freshwater aquariums.

With ancestors dating back more than 200 million years, the Armored Bichir is often referred to as a "living fossil." Unlike true eels, it belongs to an ancient lineage of fish and possesses a modified swim bladder that allows it to breathe atmospheric air. Because of this, they must always have unrestricted access to the water's surface.

Although naturally nocturnal, Armored Bichirs quickly become confident in the aquarium and are often seen exploring during the day, especially at feeding time. They are intelligent, curious fish that develop plenty of personality as they mature.

Aquarium Setup

Armored Bichirs require a spacious aquarium with excellent filtration, stable water quality, and plenty of hiding places. Driftwood, caves, rockwork, and PVC pipes all make excellent shelters. A soft sand substrate is recommended, allowing them to move naturally across the aquarium floor.

A tight-fitting lid is essential, as Bichirs are notorious escape artists and can squeeze through surprisingly small openings.

While peaceful by nature, they are opportunistic predators and should only be housed with fish too large to fit into their mouths.

Feeding

Armored Bichirs are carnivores and require a varied, protein-rich diet. Feed high-quality carnivore pellets along with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, blackworms, earthworms, prawns, mussels, krill, and fish fillets. Juveniles quickly adapt to prepared foods when offered consistently.

Why We Like This Fish

• Stunning barred pattern and prehistoric appearance
• Hardy and long-lived
• Intelligent with plenty of personality
• Peaceful with appropriately sized tank mates
• Excellent centrepiece for larger aquariums

Recommended Tank Parameters

• Temperature: 24–28°C
• pH: 6.2–7.8
• GH: Soft to moderately hard water
• Minimum Aquarium Size: 340 litres (90 gallons)
• Substrate: Fine sand is recommended

Care Information

• Diet: Carnivore – accepts quality carnivore pellets, frozen, live, and other meaty foods.
• Temperament: Peaceful but predatory.
• Social Behaviour: Can be kept singly or with other similarly sized Bichirs in large aquariums. Safe with fish too large to be considered prey.
• Origin: Central Africa, primarily the Congo River Basin.
• Maximum Size: Approximately 35–40 cm.
• Current Size: Approximately 10 cm.
• Tank Level: Bottom.

Compatibility: Suitable with Severums, Geophagus, silver dollars, larger rainbowfish, peaceful catfish, Black Ghost Knifefish, larger gouramis, and other robust community fish. Avoid housing with small fish, shrimp, crayfish, or aggressive species.

Please note: Sample photos are for reference only. Colour, pattern, and size may vary slightly as each fish is unique.