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.
At a Glance
Tank Requirements
Find the right tank equipment
Browse tanks, décor, and equipment suited for this setup.
Water Parameters
Shop water care essentials
Keep water parameters stable with the right testing and heating gear.
Temperament & Compatibility
Available Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard, wild-type Senegal Bichir with a grey/olive coloration. A peaceful giant towards appropriately sized tank mates.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Wild Type, Normal
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Young Bichirs grow rapidly and require frequent feedings of high-protein meaty foods. They can temporarily be housed in smaller grow-out tanks but will quickly need an upgrade to their adult footprint.
Differs in 5 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby, Small
Albino
A very popular, selectively bred morph featuring a stark white or pinkish body with red eyes. Their care is identical to the standard type, though they generally have poorer eyesight and rely heavily on their sense of smell to hunt.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Albino Dinosaur Eel, White
Senegal Bichir Care Guide Summary
The Senegal Bichir, scientifically known as Polypterus senegalus, 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 Senegal 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 25°C and 29°C, with a pH range of 6.2–7.8 and a general hardness of 5–20 dGH. A low water flow is preferred. An aquarium test kit can help you monitor these values.
Due to its specialist needs, the Senegal Bichir is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 3 varieties: Standard, Juvenile (Grow-out), and Albino. 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.
Senegal Bichir Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Senegal 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. Browse aquarium sand substrate options to find the best fit.
Senegal Bichir Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Senegal 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.
Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Senegal Bichir.
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
Senegal Bichir Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Senegal 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. Find quality Senegal Bichir fish food for this species.
Frequently Asked Questions About Senegal Bichir
How big does Senegal Bichir get?
Senegal Bichir (Polypterus senegalus) 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 Senegal Bichir need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 200 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Senegal Bichir. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Senegal Bichir need?
Senegal Bichir thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 25–29°C, a pH between 6.2 and 7.8, and a general hardness of 5–20 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Senegal Bichir peaceful or aggressive?
Senegal 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 Senegal Bichir live alone?
Yes, Senegal Bichir can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Senegal Bichir safe with shrimp?
No. Senegal 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 Senegal Bichir have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Senegal 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 Senegal Bichir need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Senegal 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.
Similar Species
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.
Fire Eel
Mastacembelus erythrotaenia
The Fire Eel is a stunning, large species of spiny eel native to Southeast Asia, known for its brilliant red lateral stripes and highly interactive, 'dog-like' personality with owners. As a true 'monster fish', it requires massive aquariums. A soft sand substrate is absolutely mandatory, as they will burrow and suffer lethal bacterial infections from scratching themselves on gravel. They are notorious escape artists and will eat any fish small enough to fit in their mouths.
Zebra Danio
Danio rerio
One of the most robust and active aquarium fish available. Native to South Asia, they are a model organism in science due to their genetics. They are extremely active top-level swimmers that must be kept in schools to prevent stress and fin-nipping. They prefer cooler, oxygen-rich water with a current.
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.
Zebra Pleco (L046)
Hypancistrus zebra
A highly sought-after, strikingly beautiful black-and-white striped pleco endemic to the fast-flowing Xingu River in Brazil. Unlike common plecostomus, it is primarily carnivorous (a micropredator) and will not clean algae. They are notoriously shy, slow-growing, and require highly oxygenated, warm water with vigorous flow to thrive.
Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon)
Exodon paradoxus
The Bucktooth Tetra is a highly active, predatory shoaling fish infamous for its scale-eating (lepidophagous) behavior. They are extremely aggressive and will strip the scales, fins, and even eyes off almost any tankmate. They must be kept in a species-only tank in large groups (12+) to disperse their intense conspecific aggression; otherwise, they will systematically kill each other.