Albino Senegal Bichir (Polypterus senegalus)

Albino Senegal Bichir (Polypterus senegalus)

Albino Senegal Bichir is an ancient-looking, air-breathing oddball fish for keepers who can offer space, cover and sensible tank mates. The albino form has the same long body, armoured scales and separate dorsal finlets as the normal Senegal bichir, but with pale cream-gold colour and pink eyes.

Polypterus senegalus is often described as one of the more manageable bichirs, but it is still a predatory fish. It should not be sold as a small community choice. Plan it for a spacious covered aquarium with soft substrate, hiding places and companions too large to be swallowed.

Quick facts

• Scientific name: Polypterus senegalus
• Adult size: commonly 25-35 cm in aquariums, with larger fish possible
• Care level: Intermediate
• Minimum aquarium: 300 litres; a longer footprint is better than extra height
• Water: 24-28C, pH 6.5-7.8, stable freshwater with moderate hardness
• Temperament: Predatory but usually not aggressive toward fish it cannot eat
• Diet: Meaty sinking foods, prawns, mussel, earthworms and carnivore pellets

Natural behaviour

Senegal bichirs come from slow rivers, floodplains, marshes and vegetated margins across tropical Africa. They spend much of their time near the bottom or resting under cover, then move with a slow, deliberate glide when searching for food. They also breathe air, so regular trips to the surface are normal and healthy.

That surface-breathing habit makes a secure lid essential. Leave clear access to the surface, but close every gap around pipework and cables. Bichirs are strong escape artists, especially at night.

Aquarium setup

Use a long aquarium with soft sand or smooth fine gravel, shaded caves, wood and open floor space. Avoid sharp rockwork that can scrape the belly. Gentle to moderate flow is enough; the main priority is stable, clean water and plenty of oxygen.

Lighting can be subdued. These fish are most confident when they can retreat into shade and come out on their own terms. A settled bichir may learn the feeding routine quickly, but it should never have to compete with frantic surface feeders for every meal.

Feeding

Feed varied meaty foods that sink or can be placed near the bottom. Prawns, mussel, earthworms, bloodworm for smaller fish and quality carnivore pellets all have a place. Avoid feeder fish. They add disease risk and are not needed for good condition.

Tank mates

The safest companions are robust fish too large to fit in the bichir's mouth and calm enough not to nip its fins. Other suitably sized bichirs, larger peaceful cichlids, robust catfish and similar oddballs can work in large aquariums. Avoid small tetras, guppies, rasboras, shrimp, tiny bottom dwellers and aggressive fin nippers.

For similar oddball comparisons, see Saddled Bichir, Polypterus lapradei and Barred Bichir.

Ordering and arrival

Livestock is packed for overnight travel with a licensed live-animal courier and covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee. Acclimate slowly, keep the lid secure from day one and feed lightly while the fish settles.