Ornate Bichir

Polypterus ornatipinnis

Ornate Bichir is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerIntermediate – Advanced

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 60 cm (≤ 23.6 in)
Aquarium size: 648 L or larger / ≥ 180 cm (≥ 70.9 in) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 25–28 °C
pH: 6–8
GH: 5–25 dGH
Diet: Carnivore
Lifespan: up to 15 years

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.

Lifespan: up to 15 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

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

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 25–28 °C, pH 6–8, GH 5–25 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Ornate 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.

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

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 648 L or larger / ≥ 180 cm (≥ 70.9 in) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Offer a varied diet that matches this species.

Similar fish profiles

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

Barred Bichir Polypterus delhezi Same genus Same family Similar care level Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 35 cm (≤ 13.8 in) 24–30 °C Altifron Eartheater Geophagus altifrons Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 22 cm (≤ 8.7 in) 26–32 °C Armoured Stickleback Indostomus paradoxus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3 cm (≤ 1.2 in) 22–27 °C Black Darter Tetra Poecilocharax weitzmani Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Advanced ≤ 5 cm (≤ 2 in) 23–27 °C African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 8 cm (≤ 3.1 in) 22–26 °C Banded Gourami Trichogaster fasciata Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 10 cm (≤ 3.9 in) 23–28 °C

FAQ

How large does Ornate Bichir get?

Ornate Bichir reaches ≤ 60 cm (≤ 23.6 in). It needs specialist housing, long-term space, strong filtration, and carefully chosen companions.

What aquarium size does Ornate Bichir need?

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

Is Ornate Bichir peaceful?

Yes. Ornate 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 Ornate Bichir?

Keep it between 25 to 28 °C.