Albino Senegalese Bichir

Also known as a 'Dinosaur Eel,' it can add an adventure to your aquarium. These fish look like prehistoric dragons with a slight variance in size and color pattern. They generally live a long time and get along with any fish that cannot fit into their mouth. They make an excellent addition to a large fish tank. They are easy to care for and feed.

The dilemma in purchasing odd, large fish is that they are usually available in smaller sizes and need to grow with the tank. Best to match them with appropriate sizes of other species. For instance, match a five-inch bichir to medium-size cichlids. Or, match a foot-long bichir to larger fish. Medium size is 4” to 6”, large size is 12” or more.

Quick Facts

Care Guide

Tank setup: Bichirs are expert escape artists, so a tight-fitting lid is a must. Give them a soft bottom, caves and driftwood. They breathe air, so leave a gap above the water.

Feeding: Feed sinking carnivore pellets once a day. They also enjoy frozen foods like bloodworms and shrimp.

Tankmates: They will eat any fish that fits in their mouth. Keep them with fish too large to swallow.

Breathes air: Bichirs take gulps of air from the surface, which is normal behavior.

Good to know: Senegal bichirs are among the hardiest bichirs and often learn to beg for food.