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.
Saddled Bichir At a Glance
Saddled Bichir Tank Requirements
Will Saddled Bichir fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Saddled Bichir needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Saddled Bichir against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Saddled Bichir Water Parameters
Saddled Bichir Temperament & Compatibility
Saddled Bichir Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Adult / Standard
The fully grown Saddled Bichir. Requires a massive tank with a very large footprint (at least 6ft x 2ft). A heavy, tight-fitting lid is absolutely mandatory as they are extremely powerful jumpers.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Full Grown
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Young Saddled Bichirs are commonly sold around 3-4 inches. They grow extremely fast during their first year and will rapidly outgrow small enclosures. Do not keep them with fish small enough to fit in their unexpectedly large mouths.
Differs in 5 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby Bichir, Juvenile
Saddled Bichir Care Guide Summary
The Saddled Bichir, scientifically known as Polypterus endlicheri, belongs to the Oddballs family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 60 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 extreme level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Saddled Bichir requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 650 litres and a tank length of at least 180 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 moderate water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Saddled 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.
Saddled Bichir Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Saddled Bichir, a moderate 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.
Saddled Bichir Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Saddled 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. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Who Saddled Bichir Is Actually For
Saddled 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 Saddled 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.
Saddled Bichir Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Saddled Bichir.
Saddled Bichir Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Saddled Bichir is a predatory species that will readily consume small fish, so nano or bite-sized tankmates should be avoided and is primarily active at dusk and dawn, so offering food shortly after lights-off ensures it receives adequate nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Saddled Bichir
How big does Saddled Bichir get?
Saddled Bichir (Polypterus endlicheri) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 60 cm. They have a eel body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Saddled Bichir need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 650 litres and a tank length of at least 180 cm are recommended for Saddled Bichir. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Saddled Bichir need?
Saddled 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 moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Saddled Bichir peaceful or aggressive?
Saddled 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 Saddled Bichir live alone?
Yes, Saddled Bichir can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Saddled Bichir have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Saddled 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 Saddled Bichir need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Saddled 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 11, 2026
- Last updated
- May 11, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Plants That Suit Saddled Bichir
These plants pair well with Saddled Bichir based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Ashy Pipewort
Eriocaulon cinereum
Fish Similar to Saddled 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.
Weeksi Bichir
Polypterus weeksii
A prehistoric, heavily-armored predatory fish from the Congo River basin. Known for its distinctively large head, thick body, and prominent dorsal finlets. They possess functional lungs and must breathe atmospheric air. While peaceful toward fish too large to swallow, they are highly predatory and will consume anything that fits in their spacious mouths. They are notorious escape artists.
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.
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.
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.
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.