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 - well, with the exception of tanks with those small fish. They are easy to care for and feed.

Senegal bichirs and albino Senegal bichirs are captive bred and sold at a small size - usually about three inches. At this size, they are suitable with just about every aquarium fish though they may grow up and eat the smallest neighbors in a year or so, so plan accordingly.

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.