Saddled Bichir (Polypterus endlicherii) – 5–25cm Size Grades

Saddled Bichir (Polypterus endlicherii) is a large, air-breathing oddball fish for keepers who already have space for a serious predator aquarium. It has the armored body, broad head and separate dorsal finlets that make bichirs so distinctive, but it also grows far beyond most everyday community fish.

Quick facts

Care and setup

Plan the aquarium around floor space, cover and a tight lid. Saddled Bichirs rest on the bottom, cruise slowly through wood and plants, and rise to the surface to breathe. Keep ammonia and nitrite at zero, use strong but not blasting filtration, and leave clear access to the surface.

This is not a fish for small community aquariums. Juveniles may look manageable, but adults need a long, stable system with robust decor and tank mates chosen around their adult mouth size.

Feeding

Offer varied meaty foods such as earthworm, prawn, mussel, fish pieces and quality sinking carnivore pellets. Feed modest portions and remove leftovers so the aquarium does not become polluted. Avoid feeder fish; they add disease risk and are not needed for good condition.

Tank mates

Choose large, calm fish that cannot be swallowed and will not harass the bichir. Compare this species with Albino Senegal Bichir, Teugelsi Bichir, Polypterus lapradei and Barred Bichir if you are planning a Polypterus display. Reedfish / Ropefish is another air-breathing oddball, but it has different body shape and social needs.

Arrival and guarantee

Order Saddled Bichir from Tropical Fish Co when the aquarium is mature, covered and ready for a large predator. Livestock is packed for dispatch across the UK and sent by a licensed live-animal courier where live-animal shipping applies. Livestock orders are covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

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For related oddball fish, compare Albino Senegal Bichir, Teugelsi Bichir, Polypterus lapradei, Barred Bichir.