Barred Bichir

Polypterus delhezi

Barred Bichir is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer. Best kept as a solitary specimen.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerBest kept as a solitary specimenIntermediate – Advanced

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size
≤ 13.8" (≤ 35 cm)
Aquarium size
171 US gal (648 L) or larger / ≥ 70.9" (≥ 180 cm) minimum length
Care level
Intermediate – Advanced
Temperament
Peaceful
Swimming zone
Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature
75–86°F (24–30°C)
pH
6–8
GH
5–25 dGH
Diet
Carnivore
Lifespan
up to 15 years
Group behavior
Best kept as a solitary specimen

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.

Lifespan: up to 15 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 171 US gal (648 L) or larger / ≥ 70.9" (≥ 180 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 24–30 °C, pH 6–8, GH 5–25 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Barred Bichir is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Best kept as a solitary specimen.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding. Best kept as a solitary specimen.

Feeding

Use foods that suit a meatier diet and avoid combining it with fish small enough to be treated as food.

Make sure food reaches the substrate before faster fish take it.

Before adding this fish

  • Plan for an aquarium of 171 US gal (648 L) or larger / ≥ 70.9" (≥ 180 cm) minimum length.
  • Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
  • Best kept as a solitary specimen.
  • Offer a varied diet that matches this species.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Bala Shark Balantiocheilos melanopterus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 13.8" (≤ 35 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Altifron Eartheater Geophagus altifrons Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 8.7" (≤ 22 cm) 79–90°F (26–32°C) Armoured Stickleback Indostomus paradoxus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Black Darter Tetra Poecilocharax weitzmani Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Advanced ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Asian Bumblebee Catfish Pseudomystus siamensis Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Black Banded Leporinus Leporinus fasciatus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 11.8" (≤ 30 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C)

FAQ

How large does Barred Bichir get?

Barred Bichir reaches ≤ 13.8" (≤ 35 cm). It needs specialist housing, long-term space, strong filtration, and carefully chosen companions.

What aquarium size does Barred Bichir need?

Use an aquarium of at least 171 US gal (648 L) or larger / ≥ 70.9" (≥ 180 cm) minimum length.

Is Barred Bichir peaceful?

Yes. Barred Bichir is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Barred Bichir?

Keep it between 24 to 30 °C.

Should Barred Bichir be kept alone or in a group?

Barred Bichir: Best kept as a solitary specimen.

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