Description
Albino Senegal Bichir (Polypterus senegalus albino)
📌 Basic Info
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Scientific Name: Polypterus senegalus (Albino variant)
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Common Name: Albino Senegal Bichir / Albino Dinosaur Eel
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Size: 12 – 16 inches (30 – 40 cm)
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Lifespan: 10 – 15 years (with good care)
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Tank Zone: Bottom dweller (sometimes swims mid-level at night)
🌊 Water Parameters
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TDS: 150 – 300 ppm
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pH: 6.2 – 7.8
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Temperature: 24°C – 28°C (75°F – 82°F)
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Water Type: Freshwater, soft to moderately hard
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Hardness: GH 5 – 15, KH 3 – 8
🐟 Characteristics
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Striking white/cream body with red eyes (albino trait).
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Known as a “living fossil” – has primitive lungs and can breathe air.
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Hardy, predatory, and nocturnal.
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Grows large → requires a big tank.
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Semi-aggressive but usually slow and calm.
🍽️ Food
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Type: Carnivorous predator.
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Diet: Frozen shrimp, bloodworms, fish fillets, earthworms, sinking carnivore pellets.
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Feeding Frequency: Once daily (small portions). Juveniles need more frequent feeding.
🛠️ Maintenance
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Tank Size: Minimum 75 gallons for a single adult.
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Strong filtration with low current.
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Provide hiding spots (driftwood, caves, plants).
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Secure lid – bichirs can jump out of tanks.
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Weekly water change: 20–25%.
👥 Social Behavior
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Minimum Group Size: Can be kept singly or in groups if tank is large.
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Tank Mates: Large peaceful/semi-aggressive fish like silver dollars, larger cichlids, arowanas, catfish.
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Avoid: Small fish (guppies, tetras, shrimps) → will be eaten.
✅ Do’s
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Keep in a large, covered aquarium.
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Offer a protein-rich diet.
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Provide dim lighting and hiding places.
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Maintain stable, clean water conditions.
❌ Don’ts
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Don’t keep with small fish or invertebrates (they’re food).
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Don’t leave tank uncovered (they jump).
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Don’t keep in overcrowded tanks.
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Don’t rely only on flakes → needs meaty food.
⭐ Quick Tips
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Ancient “dinosaur” fish, hardy and long-lived.
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Beautiful albino coloration makes it highly sought after.
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Perfect for experienced aquarists with large predator tanks.
