A rare, prehistoric-looking species native to the Cross River in Cameroon. It is uniquely colored with a reticulated black pattern on an olive background and a striking orange belly. Like all bichirs, it possesses a primitive pair of lungs and must breathe atmospheric air. It is nocturnal, carnivorous, and will consume any fish small enough to fit in its mouth. Ensure the tank has a tight-fitting lid, as they are notorious escape artists.
Teugelsi Bichir At a Glance
Teugelsi Bichir Tank Requirements
Will Teugelsi Bichir fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Teugelsi Bichir needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Teugelsi Bichir against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Teugelsi Bichir Water Parameters
Teugelsi Bichir Temperament & Compatibility
Teugelsi Bichir Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard (Adult)
The fully grown adult form. Peaceful toward large tank mates (like large Cichlids, Datnoides, or other Bichirs) but a highly efficient predator of anything that can fit in its surprisingly large mouth. Needs an expansive footprint.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Adult Bichir, Full Grown
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Young bichirs are often sold at 3-4 inches (8-10cm). They grow rapidly and will quickly require their adult tank size. They must be fed heavily with meaty foods (bloodworms, chopped prawn) during this stage.
Differs in 4 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby Bichir, Juvenile
Teugelsi Bichir Care Guide Summary
The Teugelsi Bichir, scientifically known as Polypterus teugelsi, belongs to the Oddballs family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 41.5 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 Teugelsi Bichir requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 540 litres and a tank length of at least 150 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 1–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Teugelsi 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.
Teugelsi Bichir Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Teugelsi 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, driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement, and dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
Teugelsi Bichir Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Teugelsi 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 Teugelsi Bichir Is Actually For
Teugelsi 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 Teugelsi 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.
Teugelsi Bichir Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Teugelsi Bichir.
Teugelsi Bichir Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Teugelsi 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 Teugelsi Bichir
How big does Teugelsi Bichir get?
Teugelsi Bichir (Polypterus teugelsi) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 41.5 cm. They have a eel body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Teugelsi Bichir need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 540 litres and a tank length of at least 150 cm are recommended for Teugelsi Bichir. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Teugelsi Bichir need?
Teugelsi 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 1–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Teugelsi Bichir peaceful or aggressive?
Teugelsi Bichir is classified as semi-aggressive with an aggression score of 5 out of 10. They can work in community setups but may clash with certain tankmates.
Can Teugelsi Bichir live alone?
Yes, Teugelsi Bichir can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Teugelsi Bichir safe with shrimp?
No. Teugelsi 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 Teugelsi Bichir have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Teugelsi Bichir benefits from sand (sifters), driftwood (digestion/hiding), and plants - densely covered in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Teugelsi Bichir need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Teugelsi 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 Teugelsi Bichir
These plants pair well with Teugelsi 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
Beckett's Water Trumpet
Cryptocoryne beckettii
Broad-leaved Crypt
Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia
Carolina Fanwort
Cabomba caroliniana
Fish Similar to Teugelsi 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.
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.
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.