Long Fin Senegal Bichir Polypterus Senegalensis Senegalus 10cm

Overview

The Long Fin Senegal Bichir is a captive-bred form of the Senegal Bichir with elongated, flowing dorsal finlets, pectorals and tail on a grey-olive body. It is the classic hardy, air-breathing, snake-like bichir from the swamps and slow rivers of tropical Africa. It suits keepers wanting an unusual, long-lived centrepiece for a calm predator community.

• Adult Size: Around 30–35 cm (12–14 in) in aquaria; wild fish to 50 cm (20 in)
• Lifespan: 15–20 years, sometimes over 30

Origin

• Native to: Widespread across tropical Africa, Senegal to the Nile
• Habitat: Shallow, slow swamps, marshes and freshwater lagoons

Feeding

• Diet: Carnivorous
• Preferred Foods: Prawns, lancefish, earthworms, bloodworm, mussel, sinking carnivore pellets
• Feeding Habits: Feed after lights out, four to five times weekly; remove leftovers

Tank Mates

• Best with: Other bichirs, Synodontis, larger Ctenopoma, medium to large characins
• Avoid: Anything small enough to swallow; fin-nippers that target the long fins

Aggression & Behaviour

• Temperament: Peaceful with fish it cannot eat
• Territoriality: Low; several can share a floor with hiding places

Experience Level

• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Challenges: Escape artist, needs a long footprint, poor eyesight so may miss food

Water Parameters

• Water Type: Freshwater, adaptable
• Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)
• pH: 6.2–7.8
• Hardness: 5–20 dGH
• Flow: Slow to moderate
• Tank Size: Minimum 450 litres; floor space matters more than depth; 150 x 60 cm base

Final Notes

Growth is steady and the fish will live for decades, so plan a long tank with a sand base, driftwood hides and dim lighting. A tight-fitting lid is essential: bichirs surface to gulp air and are expert escape artists. Keep tank mates calm so the trailing fins stay intact. Males develop a thicker anal fin, and home breeding is very rarely achieved. A tough, personable fish that quickly learns feeding time.