Fishician®Diet
Carnivore – large frozen shrimp, earthworms, fish chunks, mussels; nighttime hunter
Aquarium species profile
Endlicheri Bichir
Polypterus endlicherii · Africa (West and Central Africa — Niger River, Chad basin)
Minimum tank180 gal
Adult size30"
Care levelModerate
TemperamentSemi-Aggressive
Temperature75–84°F
pH range6.5–7.8
Compatible tank mates
Large robust fish too big to eat (large cichlids, large catfish), other large bichirs
Tank mates to avoid
Small fish (will eat at night), fin-nippers (will tear bichir's small fins)
Care notes
Largest commonly available Polypterus species. Cream-colored body with bold black saddle markings. Breathes air using primitive lung — must access surface. Nocturnal. Outstanding escape artist — weighted, gapless lid essential. Can survive temporarily out of water. Ancient lineage (360M years).
Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.