Ornate Bichir

The Ornate Bichir is the crown jewel of the Polypteridae family — a prehistoric predator adorned with an intricate labyrinth of dark brown to black reticulations over a golden-tan base color that makes it the most visually striking of all bichir species. Polypterus ornatipinnis is native to the Congo River basin and Lake Tanganyika's tributaries, where it inhabits the margins of slow-moving rivers, floodplains, and swampy areas rich in vegetation and submerged wood. Like all bichirs, it possesses a primitive lung that supplements gill respiration, requiring regular access to the water surface to gulp atmospheric air.

At The Fish Collection, we source our Ornate Bichirs from established breeders and importers who handle these fish with the care their ancient lineage deserves. Each specimen is quarantined, dewormed, and confirmed feeding before listing. Polypterus ornatipinnis reaches approximately 24 inches in captivity, with the distinctive multi-finlet dorsal structure and armored ganoid scales that identify all members of this 400-million-year-old lineage.

Housing requires a minimum 100-gallon aquarium with a secure, tight-fitting lid. Bichirs are accomplished escape artists that will exploit any gap in the tank cover to slither out — a loose-fitting lid is one of the most common causes of bichir mortality in home aquariums. The substrate should be fine sand, and decorations should include driftwood, large smooth rocks, and PVC pipes that provide ample hiding spots. Dense planting along the tank perimeter creates a natural feel while leaving open floor space for the bichir to patrol.

Water temperature should be maintained between 75 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5 and soft to moderately hard water. Filtration should be robust with gentle to moderate flow. Bichirs produce significant waste and require powerful biological filtration, but they dislike strong currents that push their elongated body across the tank.

Diet is carnivorous. Offer earthworms, shrimp, fish fillets, sinking carnivore pellets, and frozen bloodworms. Bichirs are nocturnal hunters that rely primarily on their excellent sense of smell to locate food — feed after lights-out for optimal results. Despite their predatory nature, Ornate Bichirs are surprisingly peaceful toward tankmates too large to eat. Compatible companions include large cichlids, sizeable catfish, and other bichir species of similar size. Anything small enough to fit in the bichir's mouth will eventually become a meal.