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.
Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) At a Glance
Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) Tank Requirements
Will Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) Water Parameters
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Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) Temperament & Compatibility
Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard (Adult)
The adult form. Requires a wide-footprint tank with a tight-fitting lid to prevent escapes. Must be kept only with tankmates that are too deep-bodied or large to be swallowed.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Adult Bichir, Fully Grown
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Often sold in the trade at 7-10cm. Can be temporarily housed in smaller aquariums, but requires heavy feeding of meaty foods and will outgrow a small tank rapidly.
Differs in 5 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby Bichir, Juvenile
Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) Care Guide Summary
The Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir), scientifically known as Polypterus delhezi, 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 Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 280 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 30°C, with a pH range of 6–8 and a general hardness of 5–20 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Standard (Adult) 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.
Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Delhezi Bichir (Armored 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.
Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Delhezi Bichir (Armored 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.
Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir).
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
180 Gallon Standard
350 Liter (120cm Deep)
Show 1 more tank size
Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Delhezi Bichir (Armored 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, 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 Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir)
How big does Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) get?
Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) (Polypterus delhezi) 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 Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 280 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir). This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) need?
Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–30°C, a pH between 6 and 8, and a general hardness of 5–20 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) peaceful or aggressive?
Delhezi Bichir (Armored 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 Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) live alone?
Yes, Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) safe with shrimp?
No. Delhezi Bichir (Armored 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 Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Delhezi Bichir (Armored 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 Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir) need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Delhezi Bichir (Armored 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 Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir)
These plants pair well with Delhezi Bichir (Armored 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 Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir)
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.
Buettikoferi Bichir
Polypterus palmas buettikoferi
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.
Reedfish (Ropefish)
Erpetoichthys calabaricus
An ancient, eel-like species from West Africa closely related to Bichirs. They are famous for their snake-like appearance and gentle nature. Unlike Bichirs, Ropefish are social and prefer to be kept in groups. They are nocturnal hunters using smell to find food. WARNING: They are legendary escape artists; a tight-fitting lid without even the smallest gap is 100% mandatory.
Arrowhead Puffer
Pao suvattii
A highly predatory freshwater pufferfish native to the Mekong basin. Named for its V-shaped, flattened head, it is a specialized ambush predator that buries itself in sand with only its eyes and upwards-facing mouth exposed. It is notoriously aggressive and will consume or fatally bite any tankmate, regardless of size. Must be kept strictly solitary.
Brown Hoplo
Megalechis thoracata
The Brown Hoplo is a highly active, peaceful armored catfish. Like Corydoras, they are heavily armored and possess barbels for foraging, but they grow significantly larger. They are facultative air-breathers and will frequently dart to the surface to gulp air. Males are known to build bubble nests. Due to their boisterous nature, they require a tight-fitting lid to prevent jumping.