The Buettikoferi Bichir (often sold as the Gold Dust Bichir) is a fascinating ancient fish native to West Africa. Like all bichirs, it possesses a modified swim bladder acting as a primitive lung, requiring a small air gap at the surface to breathe atmospheric air. They are peaceful towards similarly-sized fish but are highly predatory nocturnal ambushers that will consume anything that fits in their mouths.
Buettikoferi Bichir At a Glance
Buettikoferi Bichir Tank Requirements
Will Buettikoferi Bichir fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Buettikoferi Bichir needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Buettikoferi Bichir against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
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Buettikoferi Bichir Water Parameters
Water care products
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Buettikoferi Bichir Temperament & Compatibility
Buettikoferi Bichir Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Adult / Standard
The standard adult form. At this size, they are formidable predators of small fish but remain peaceful toward large, deep-bodied tank mates like large Cichlids or larger Oddballs. Ensure the tank lid is completely secure.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Adult, Fully Grown
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Juvenile bichirs are commonly sold at 7-10cm. They will outgrow small aquariums very quickly and must be fed a protein-rich diet to properly develop their thick body and armored scales.
Differs in 4 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby Bichir, Juvenile
Buettikoferi Bichir Care Guide Summary
The Buettikoferi Bichir, scientifically known as Polypterus palmas buettikoferi, belongs to the Oddballs family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 35 cm and have a eel body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as semi-aggressive, this species primarily occupies the bottom zone of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Buettikoferi Bichir requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 200 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6.5–7.5 and a general hardness of 5–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Buettikoferi Bichir is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Adult / Standard and Juvenile (Grow-out). Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Buettikoferi Bichir Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Buettikoferi Bichir, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour, smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels, and driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
Buettikoferi Bichir Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Buettikoferi Bichir is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, any fish small enough to fit in its mouth will likely be eaten and ornamental shrimp are not safe companions. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Buettikoferi Bichir Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Buettikoferi Bichir.
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
Buettikoferi Bichir Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Buettikoferi Bichir is a predatory species that will readily consume small fish, so nano or bite-sized tankmates should be avoided, will hunt and eat ornamental shrimp, making it unsuitable for shrimp-focused setups, will eat fry, so breeding efforts in the same tank are unlikely to succeed, and is primarily active at dusk and dawn, so offering food shortly after lights-off ensures it receives adequate nutrition.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Buettikoferi Bichir
How big does Buettikoferi Bichir get?
Buettikoferi Bichir (Polypterus palmas buettikoferi) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 35 cm. They have a eel body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Buettikoferi Bichir need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 200 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Buettikoferi Bichir. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Buettikoferi Bichir need?
Buettikoferi Bichir thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 6.5 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 5–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Buettikoferi Bichir peaceful or aggressive?
Buettikoferi Bichir is classified as semi-aggressive with an aggression score of 6 out of 10. They can work in community setups but may clash with certain tankmates.
Can Buettikoferi Bichir live alone?
Yes, Buettikoferi Bichir can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Buettikoferi Bichir safe with shrimp?
No. Buettikoferi Bichir is known to eat ornamental shrimp and is not recommended for shrimp tanks. Even larger shrimp species like Amano Shrimp may be at risk.
Does Buettikoferi Bichir have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Buettikoferi Bichir benefits from sand (sifters), smooth gravel (sensitive barbels), and driftwood (digestion/hiding) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Buettikoferi Bichir need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Buettikoferi Bichir is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
Plants That Suit Buettikoferi Bichir
These plants pair well with Buettikoferi Bichir based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Banana Plant
Nymphoides aquatica
Beckett's Water Trumpet
Cryptocoryne beckettii
Broad-leaved Crypt
Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia
Fish Similar to Buettikoferi Bichir
Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir)
Polypterus delhezi
An ancient, air-breathing predatory fish from the Congo River basin. Known for its distinct black vertical bands and dinosaur-like dorsal finlets. They are bottom-dwelling ambush predators with poor eyesight but an excellent sense of smell. While generally peaceful with similarly sized or larger fish, they are opportunistic piscivores and will eat anything that fits into their surprisingly large mouths.
Congo Bichir
Polypterus endlicheri congicus
The Congo Bichir is a prehistoric-looking, bottom-dwelling monster fish and one of the largest species in the Polypteridae family. They are obligate air-breathers and ambush predators that will eagerly consume any tankmate small enough to fit in their surprisingly large mouths. Due to their massive adult size, they require extremely large custom aquariums, heavy filtration, and a tight-fitting lid to prevent escapes.
Senegal Bichir
Polypterus senegalus
A fascinating, prehistoric-looking predatory fish often called the 'Dinosaur Eel'. They possess a modified swim bladder acting as a lung and must have access to the surface to breathe. Though peaceful with large, deep-bodied tank mates, they are strictly carnivorous and will consume any fish or invertebrate that fits in their mouths. Excellent escape artists; a heavy, tight-fitting lid is mandatory.
African Lungfish
Protopterus annectens
An ancient, fascinating oddball fish capable of surviving droughts by aestivating in mud cocoons. It is an obligate air-breather with a powerful bite. Highly predatory and completely intolerant of tank mates, it should be kept strictly solitary. Requires a heavy, secure lid as they are notorious and powerful escape artists.
Blue Sifter
Cribroheros robertsoni
A stunning Central American cichlid known for its iridescent turquoise speckling and unique earth-eating behavior. It constantly sifts substrate through its gills to forage, making soft sand absolutely mandatory to prevent gill damage. While mildly tempered compared to many Central American cichlids, it becomes highly territorial when breeding.
Congo Puffer (Potato Puffer)
Tetraodon miurus
An ambush predator native to the Congo River basin. Affectionately known as the 'Potato Puffer' due to its lumpy, inactive appearance when buried. It requires deep, soft sand to bury itself and wait for prey. It is highly aggressive, strictly carnivorous, and must be kept solitary as it will bite or consume almost any other fish.