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

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Need help with Barred Bichir?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 13.8" (≤ 35 cm)
Aquarium size: 54 US gal (205 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 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: 54 US gal (205 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 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.

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.

Feeding

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

Offer appropriate meaty sinking items after dusk and verify the bichir feeds without relying on prey tankmates.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 54 US gal (205 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Best kept as a solitary specimen.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Important notes

Can drown if prevented from gulping atmospheric air; tight lid must preserve a humid air space.
Predates mouth-size tankmates; length/footprint and 205 L specialist minimum apply to an adult context, not a capacity formula.

Similar fish profiles

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

Bengal Loach Botia dario Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 5.1" (≤ 13 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C) Bala Shark Balantiocheilos melanopterus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 13.8" (≤ 35 cm) 68–82°F (20–28°C) African Freshwater Pipefish Enneacampus ansorgii Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) African Glass Catfish Pareutropius debauwi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Ajamaru Rainbowfish Melanotaenia ajamaruensis Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.8" (≤ 9.7 cm) 81–86°F (27–30°C) Armoured Stickleback Indostomus paradoxus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 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 54 US gal (205 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 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.