−13%
Intermediate
Albino Senegal Bichir (Polypterus senegalus)
24–28°C · pH 6.5–7.8 · 300L
£18.26£20.99
Large, air-breathing Polypterus for experienced keepers with a secure, spacious oddball aquarium and suitably robust tank mates.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Polypterus endlicherii
Large, air-breathing Polypterus for experienced keepers with a secure, spacious oddball aquarium and suitably robust tank mates.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
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.
| Scientific name | Polypterus endlicherii |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 60 cm or more possible |
| Minimum aquarium | 600 litres or larger for long-term adult care |
| Temperature | 24-28 C |
| pH | 6.0-7.8 |
| Temperament | Predatory, slow-moving and food-driven |
| Diet | Meaty sinking foods and quality carnivore pellets |
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.
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.
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.
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.
For related oddball fish, compare Albino Senegal Bichir, Teugelsi Bichir, Polypterus lapradei, Barred Bichir.
24–28°C · pH 6.5–7.8 · 300L
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