Senegal Bichir (Dinosaur Eel / Polypterus senegalus)

Quick Overview The Senegal Bichir (Polypterus senegalus), native to the ancient river systems and swamps of Africa, is a living fossil that brings a captivating, primeval presence to the home aquarium. Often called the Dinosaur Eel due to its elongated shape and reptile-like movements, this highly durable fish is a member of one of the oldest surviving lineages of ray-finned fishes. They feature a uniform olive-to-gray armored body made up of heavy, interlocking ganoid scales and a serrated dorsal fin made of separate finlets. Fascinatingly, they possess a modified swim bladder that acts like a lung, allowing them to gulp atmospheric air from the surface!

Tank Requirements & Local Care Tips

• Care Level: Beginner to Intermediate (Remarkably rugged and highly disease-resistant)

• Minimum Tank Size: 55 Gallons for a single adult (They grow to a robust 10 to 12 inches in captivity and require an aquarium with a large horizontal footprint)

• Water Temperature: 24°C to 28°C (Perfectly adapted to our local tropical Bacolod climate)

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive predator (Peaceful with large, robust tank mates, but will relentlessly hunt and swallow any fish small enough to fit into its wide mouth)

Bacolod Monster Fish Hobbyist Tip: Senegal Bichirs are legendary in the hobby for two specific traits: they are ambush carnivores, and they are world-class escape artists!

First, never house them with small, streamlined fish like Neon Tetras, Guppies, or young Corydoras—even if the Bichir is small now, it will quickly turn them into a midnight snack as it grows. Instead, choose robust tank mates like Silver Dollars, Oscar Cichlids, Severums, or large tinfoil barbs.

Second, because they frequently travel to the surface to breathe air, they will actively search for any gap in your tank layout. If your aquarium doesn’t have a 100% secure, tight-fitting lid with all cable gaps blocked, they can and will crawl right out of the tank.

Drop by our Bacolod pet shop today to pick up premium high-protein carnivore sinking pellets, secure aquarium lids, and a spectacular, healthy Senegal Bichir to anchor your monster fish display!