Ornate Bichir

The Bichir are amazingly dragon-looking with just a little variance in size and color pattern. They generally live a long time and get along with any fish that cannot fit into their mouth. The ornate bichir will eat small invertebrates and fish, but they are peaceful to fish that can't fit in their mouth. They make an excellent addition to a large fish tank. They are easy to care for and feed.

The ornate bichir has the most vibrant pattern of the bichir family and is highly prized in an African tank. These fish are hardy and are generally sold at three to four inches in size.

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: Ornate bichirs have the boldest pattern of all the bichirs, with fine spots and bands on every fin.