Red BichirRed Bichir (Polypterus endlicheri) is among the largest commonly available bichirs — the body has a warm reddish-brown to orange-red background with dark saddle markings. One of the most impressive bichirs at adult size. Bichirs are ancient, armored fish whose lineage stretches back over 400 million years — among the most primitive ray-finned fishes alive today. Their multiple dorsal finlets, thick ganoid scales, and air-breathing ability are all primitive features retained from their Devonian ancestors.Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Sinking Wafers and Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms make excellent staples — feed after lights dim when bichirs are most active. Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Brine Shrimp and fresh shrimp are good supplemental meaty foods. Bichirs locate food by smell — target-feeding with tongs ensures they find food.Bichirs are air-breathers — they regularly visit the surface to gulp atmospheric air from a modified swim bladder that functions as a primitive lung. Always ensure unobstructed surface access and a tight-fitting, weighted lid — bichirs are powerful and will push open loose lids. Sandy or smooth substrate suits their benthic lifestyle. Low lighting and hiding spots from caves and PVC tubes encourage natural behavior.Keep singly or with large, robust fish too big to eat. Bichirs are surprisingly peaceful toward fish that cannot fit in their mouths, but will eat anything that can. Good tankmates include large cichlids, large catfish, large barbs, and other bichirs of similar size.Bichirs are among the most remarkable fish available — living fossils that carry the genetic and physical legacy of the Devonian era. Hardy once established, they can live 15–20 years and become surprisingly personable over time.Care & Ideal Parameters Difficulty Moderate Temperament Peaceful with large fish — predatory toward small fish Typical Adult Size 24 inches (60 cm) Min. Group Size Singly or with large fish Ideal Temp 75–84°F (24–29°C) Ideal pH 6.5–8.0 Ideal GH 5–20 dGH Ideal KH 2–12 dKH Staple Food Hikari Sinking Wafers; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms Treat / Supplement Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Brine Shrimp; fresh shrimp Origin Sub-Saharan Africa (rivers and floodplains) Notes Large Polypterus — warm reddish-brown background with dark saddles. Grows to 24 inches. Large tank essential. Air-breather.
