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Freshwater fishEndlicheri Bichir
Endlicheri Bichir
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The endlicheri bichir, or saddle bichir, is one of the less common bichirs available from Cameroon. Like all other bichirs, the saddle bichir will eat frozen food and any live fish that fit in its mouth, but they are not nippers and get along with larger community fish. Interesting fact: Bichirs have small eyes and rely on smell to hunt in the wild.
The saddle bichir has several broad bands on the body that sort of look like saddles, hence the name.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Polypterus endlicheri |
| Origin | West and Central Africa |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful with fish its size |
| Adult Size | Up to 2 feet |
| Lifespan | 15+ years |
| Diet | Carnivore (meaty foods) |
| Water Temperature | 75–82°F |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| Group Size | Single or group |
| Shipping Size | Approx. 3" |
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: Bichirs have small eyes and rely mostly on smell to find food.
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