Palmas Bichir
Polypterus palmas palmas
An ancient, primitive bottom-dweller from West Africa known for its dinosaur-like appearance and ability to breathe atmospheric air using modified lungs. While it is one of the smaller 'upper jaw' Bichir species, it is a highly capable ambush predator. It is generally peaceful towards fish too large to swallow, but completely unsafe for small community fish. A tight-fitting lid is absolutely mandatory to prevent escaping.
Palmas Bichir At a Glance
Palmas Bichir Tank Requirements
Will Palmas Bichir fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Palmas Bichir needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Palmas Bichir against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Palmas Bichir Water Parameters
Palmas Bichir Temperament & Compatibility
Palmas Bichir Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard (Adult)
The adult Palmas Bichir. Thick-bodied and capable of consuming impressively large prey. Must be kept with deep-bodied fish (like medium to large cichlids, silver dollars) to prevent predation.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Adult, Full Grown
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Young Bichir. Often sold very small in the trade. They will grow rapidly in their first year and quickly outgrow community setups. Caution: larger tankmates may prey on baby bichirs.
Differs in 6 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby, Juvenile
Palmas Bichir Care Guide Summary
The Palmas Bichir, scientifically known as Polypterus palmas palmas, belongs to the Oddballs family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 30 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 Palmas 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 29°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 Palmas 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.
Palmas Bichir Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Palmas 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.
Palmas Bichir Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Palmas 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.
Who Palmas Bichir Is Actually For
Palmas Bichir is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide someone who understands its individual space requirements. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially sand.
The most common mistake is treating Palmas Bichir like any other community fish and skipping the soft sand it needs to forage safely. Another frequent problem is forcing it into an over-busy community when it would do better with more room or more deliberate tankmate choices.
Palmas Bichir Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Palmas Bichir.
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
Palmas Bichir Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Palmas 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Palmas Bichir
How big does Palmas Bichir get?
Palmas Bichir (Polypterus palmas palmas) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 30 cm. They have a eel body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Palmas Bichir need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 200 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Palmas Bichir. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Palmas Bichir need?
Palmas Bichir thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–29°C, a pH between 6.5 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 5–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Palmas Bichir peaceful or aggressive?
Palmas 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 Palmas Bichir live alone?
Yes, Palmas Bichir can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Palmas Bichir safe with shrimp?
No. Palmas 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 Palmas Bichir have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Palmas Bichir benefits from sand (sifters), driftwood (digestion/hiding), and smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Palmas Bichir need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Palmas 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.
Useful setup supplies
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 7, 2026
- Last updated
- May 7, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Plants That Suit Palmas Bichir
These plants pair well with Palmas 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 Palmas Bichir
West African Bichir
Polypterus retropinnis
An ancient, primitive fish with a snakelike body and a lung-like swim bladder that allows it to breathe atmospheric air. The West African Bichir is a nocturnal bottom-dweller that relies on an excellent sense of smell to hunt. While surprisingly peaceful towards large tankmates, it is highly predatory and will swallow any fish that fits in its mouth. It requires a tight-fitting lid as it is a notorious escape artist.
Saddled Bichir
Polypterus endlicheri
A massive, prehistoric-looking predatory fish native to Africa. Known for its prominent dorsal finlets, striking 'saddled' striping, and ability to breathe atmospheric air using a modified swim bladder. They are bottom-dwelling ambush predators. They are completely peaceful to fish too large to swallow, but highly predatory toward anything else. They must be kept on soft sand, as they swallow their prey whole and ingested gravel can be fatal.
Marbled Bichir
Polypterus polli
An ancient, prehistoric-looking 'upper-jaw' bichir native to the Congo River basin. They are fascinating bottom-dwelling predators with paired lungs, requiring access to the water's surface to breathe atmospheric air. While generally peaceful towards tank mates too large to swallow, they are highly opportunistic nocturnal predators. A tight-fitting lid is mandatory, and fine sand substrate is critical to prevent fatal impaction during their lunging feeding behavior.
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.
Polypterus Bichir Lapradei
Polypterus bichir lapradei
The Lapradei Bichir is a massive, ancient, air-breathing predatory fish native to West Africa. Featuring distinct dorsal finlets and a heavily armored, snake-like body, it is a fascinating 'monster fish'. As nocturnal ambush predators, they will consume any tank mate that fits in their surprisingly large mouths. However, they are remarkably peaceful with robust companions that are too large to eat. A tight-fitting lid is absolutely mandatory as they are notorious escape artists.
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.