Description
🐟 Ornate Bichir (Polypterus ornatipinnis)
📌 Basic Information
Scientific Name: Polypterus ornatipinnis
Common Name: Ornate Bichir / Ornate Dinosaur Eel
Family: Polypteridae
Origin: Central Africa (Congo River Basin)
Adult Size: 18 – 24 inches (45 – 60 cm)
Lifespan: 12 – 20 years (with proper care)
Tank Zone: Bottom dweller, occasionally mid-level during feeding
🌊 Water Parameters
Temperature: 24°C – 28°C (75°F – 82°F)
pH: 6.0 – 7.8
TDS: 120 – 300 ppm
Water Type: Freshwater
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (GH 5 – 15, KH 3 – 8)
Stable water quality is more important than chasing exact numbers.
🐟 Appearance & Characteristics
Bold black body with striking yellow/cream patterns.
One of the most colorful and attractive bichir species.
Primitive, prehistoric appearance — often called a “living fossil.”
Has lung-like organs — can breathe atmospheric air.
Nocturnal and more active in dim lighting.
Slow-moving but powerful predator.
🍽️ Feeding
Diet Type: Carnivorous
Recommended Foods:
Frozen shrimp & prawns
Fish fillets
Earthworms
Bloodworms
Sinking carnivore pellets
Occasional live foods (if required)
Feeding Frequency:
Juveniles: 1–2 times daily
Adults: Once per day
Avoid overfeeding to maintain water quality.
🛠️ Tank Requirements & Maintenance
Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons for a single adult
Strong filtration with moderate oxygenation
Low to medium water flow (avoid strong currents)
Weekly 20–30% water change
Provide caves, PVC pipes, driftwood, or rock shelters
Use a tight-fitting lid — bichirs are excellent escape artists
Soft sand or smooth substrate is preferred to protect their belly.
👥 Social Behavior
Can be kept alone or with other large bichirs.
Semi-aggressive but generally calm with similarly sized fish.
Suitable Tank Mates:
Large catfish
Silver dollars
Large cichlids
Arowanas
Other bichirs
Avoid:
Small fish (will be eaten)
Shrimp & snails
Very aggressive tank mates
✅ Do’s
✔ Keep in a spacious, well-covered aquarium
✔ Provide hiding areas and dim lighting
✔ Offer a varied protein-rich diet
✔ Maintain stable, clean water
❌ Don’ts
✖ Don’t house with small community fish
✖ Don’t keep in small tanks
✖ Don’t rely only on flakes
✖ Don’t leave the tank uncovered
⭐ Quick Overview
One of the most beautiful bichir species
Grows larger than Senegal Bichir
Ideal for large predator aquariums
Recommended for intermediate to advanced aquarists
