Dinasour Birchir aka Senegal Birchir

✅Lifespan

The average bichir lifespan is usually 10-15 years in captivity. However, it’s not out of the question for them to hit 20 years of age if they receive perfect care (and have good genetics).

✅Appearance

The general appearance of bichirs is very ancient and prehistoric. These ray-finned fish have been around for millions of years in one form or another and have undergone very little change over that period of time.

They look kind of like a cross between a snake and an eel, and can grow to be quite long. On the top of their backs they have a series of spiny dorsal fins.

✅The dinosaur bichir (aka Senegal bichir) is one of the most popular types you can find. They’re mostly grey and are usually not as large as most other types of bichirs.

In some instances, they’ll come in a lighter grey (almost white) and even pink and blue. Their bodies are pretty much the classic bichir mold, and they don’t have any particular feature that deviates.

✅Tank Size

The minimum recommended tank size for these fish is around 90 gallons for one. The size of these fish and their activity level means they need ample room so they can swim and feel comfortable.

Water Parameters

Bichir are pretty hardy and can survive in a fairly wide range of water parameters. With that being said, there is a recommended window that you should aim for if you want them to be as healthy as possible.

• Water temperature: 74°F to 82°F
• pH levels: 6.2 to 7.8
• Water hardness: Soft
• KH: 5-20 dKH

Even though bichir can get their oxygen from the surface you should always perform regular water changes and monitor the levels in your aquarium with a test kit. Being consistent with this will ensure that they live a long healthy life.

One of the nice things about bichir is that they do well with a variety of habitat decorations. You can add plants, driftwood, or caves and they won’t mind one way or the other.

Since bichirs are carnivores you’ll need to ensure that they’re getting enough protein-rich food in their diet to stay healthy. They also eat at night which is another consideration that makes them a bit different from a lot of popular freshwater fishes.

Because of their nocturnal nature, you’ll want to time their feedings appropriately. Nighttime or early in the morning before their lights are off is a good choice. Trying to reprogram a fish away from their natural feeding behavior is an uphill battle. It’s better to work with them!

In terms of their actual diet, this is where bichir care can get a little trickier than other fish. You shouldn’t rely on pellets or flake food and instead need to give them a mix of protein-rich live, dry, and frozen foods. This will provide them with enrichment and activate their predatory instincts which is a lot of fun to watch!

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