Polypterus Senegalus Albino | Albino Senegal Bichir
๐ Albino Bichir (Dinosaur Eel) Care Sheet
๐น Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Polypterus senegalus |
| Common Name | Albino Bichir, Dinosaur Eel |
| Origin | West Africa (Senegal, Nile, Gambia rivers) |
| Adult Size | 25โ45 cm (10โ18 in), occasionally up to 60 cm |
| Lifespan | 10โ15 years |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive, predatory |
| Tank Level | Bottom |
๐น Tank Setup
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Tank Size | 200+ liters (50+ gallons) for one adult; larger for multiple |
| Temperature | 24โ28 ยฐC (75โ82 ยฐF) |
| pH | 6.5โ7.5 |
| Hardness | 5โ15 dGH |
| Substrate | Sand or smooth gravel |
| Decor | Driftwood, caves, rocks, hiding spots |
| Lighting | Dim to moderate |
| Filtration | Strong filtration; low to moderate current |
Tips:
-
Provide plenty of hiding spots โ they are nocturnal and shy during the day.
-
Albino Bichirs are jumpers, so use a tight-fitting lid.
-
Maintain stable water parameters and regular water changes.
๐น Diet
-
Type: Carnivorous
-
Best Foods: Live/frozen foods (bloodworms, shrimp, small fish), sinking pellets, occasional earthworms.
-
Feeding Frequency: Every 1โ2 days; avoid overfeeding.
๐น Behavior & Compatibility
-
Semi-aggressive; may eat smaller fish.
-
Best kept with larger, peaceful fish that cannot fit in its mouth.
-
Generally bottom-dwelling and nocturnal, occupying caves and shaded areas.
๐งญ Tank Mate Guide
โ Compatible Species
-
Large peaceful fish (Silver Dollars, large gouramis)
-
Other adult bichirs of similar size
-
Large catfish or armored loaches
โ ๏ธ Avoid or Use Caution With
-
Small fish or invertebrates (likely prey)
-
Aggressive species that harass the bichir
-
Overstocked tanks
๐ฃ Breeding Info
-
Spawning Method: Rare in captivity; requires large tanks with clean water.
-
Parental Care: None; adults may eat eggs.
-
Fry Care: Fry feed on small live foods like baby brine shrimp.
๐ฟ Fun Facts
-
Called โDinosaur Eelโ due to its prehistoric appearance and elongated body.
-
Can breathe air using a modified swim bladder โ useful in low-oxygen water.
-
Nocturnal predator that prefers slow-moving, heavily decorated aquariums.
Original: $26.32
-65%$26.32
$9.21
Description
๐ Albino Bichir (Dinosaur Eel) Care Sheet
๐น Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Polypterus senegalus |
| Common Name | Albino Bichir, Dinosaur Eel |
| Origin | West Africa (Senegal, Nile, Gambia rivers) |
| Adult Size | 25โ45 cm (10โ18 in), occasionally up to 60 cm |
| Lifespan | 10โ15 years |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive, predatory |
| Tank Level | Bottom |
๐น Tank Setup
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Tank Size | 200+ liters (50+ gallons) for one adult; larger for multiple |
| Temperature | 24โ28 ยฐC (75โ82 ยฐF) |
| pH | 6.5โ7.5 |
| Hardness | 5โ15 dGH |
| Substrate | Sand or smooth gravel |
| Decor | Driftwood, caves, rocks, hiding spots |
| Lighting | Dim to moderate |
| Filtration | Strong filtration; low to moderate current |
Tips:
-
Provide plenty of hiding spots โ they are nocturnal and shy during the day.
-
Albino Bichirs are jumpers, so use a tight-fitting lid.
-
Maintain stable water parameters and regular water changes.
๐น Diet
-
Type: Carnivorous
-
Best Foods: Live/frozen foods (bloodworms, shrimp, small fish), sinking pellets, occasional earthworms.
-
Feeding Frequency: Every 1โ2 days; avoid overfeeding.
๐น Behavior & Compatibility
-
Semi-aggressive; may eat smaller fish.
-
Best kept with larger, peaceful fish that cannot fit in its mouth.
-
Generally bottom-dwelling and nocturnal, occupying caves and shaded areas.
๐งญ Tank Mate Guide
โ Compatible Species
-
Large peaceful fish (Silver Dollars, large gouramis)
-
Other adult bichirs of similar size
-
Large catfish or armored loaches
โ ๏ธ Avoid or Use Caution With
-
Small fish or invertebrates (likely prey)
-
Aggressive species that harass the bichir
-
Overstocked tanks
๐ฃ Breeding Info
-
Spawning Method: Rare in captivity; requires large tanks with clean water.
-
Parental Care: None; adults may eat eggs.
-
Fry Care: Fry feed on small live foods like baby brine shrimp.
๐ฟ Fun Facts
-
Called โDinosaur Eelโ due to its prehistoric appearance and elongated body.
-
Can breathe air using a modified swim bladder โ useful in low-oxygen water.
-
Nocturnal predator that prefers slow-moving, heavily decorated aquariums.
