Barred Bichir - Polypterus delhezi Fish Profile & Care Guide
Introduction
The Barred Bichir (Polypterus delhezi) is a captivating species of freshwater fish native to the river basins of Central and West Africa. This prehistoric-looking species is distinguished by its elongated body, covered with thick, diamond-shaped scales that serve as armour. It belongs to the Polypteridae family, one of the most ancient lineages of fish still alive today, offering unique insights into the evolution of vertebrates. Polypterus delhezi is not only a subject of scientific interest but also a popular choice among aquarium enthusiasts due to its distinctive appearance and intriguing behaviour. These fish are adaptable predators in their natural habitat, thriving in various water conditions, reflecting their remarkable evolutionary resilience.
Barred Bichirs may be maintained individually or can flourish in a group environment within expansive aquariums. It is crucial that all individuals are of comparable size to mitigate dominance disputes and ensure a harmonious setting. It is essential to offer an abundance of hiding spots, ideally several per fish, to allow for the establishment of distinct territories. These fish possess a highly developed olfactory system that aids in detecting food, and while they are naturally carnivorous, they exhibit a generally peaceful demeanour. They can coexist successfully with other mid-sized, non-aggressive species.
Tank mates should be chosen carefully to avoid smaller species that could be viewed as prey, as Barred Bichirs can consume them overnight. Suitable companions may include medium-sized, tranquil cichlids like Angelfish, Severums, or Festivums, as well as large Gouramis, Knifefish, other Polypterus species, or Synodontis Catfish. It is advisable to avoid particularly active species that might compete aggressively for food during feeding times.
The ideal aquarium for this species is expansive, with minimum dimensions of 6ft x 2ft x 2ft for adult fish, and should be securely covered to prevent escape. Any potential escape points, such as gaps for wiring, should be securely sealed with filter foam or mesh. Since Barred Bichirs can breathe atmospheric air via their modified swim bladders, it is crucial to maintain a small air gap at the water's surface to ensure their survival. The waterline should be slightly lowered to facilitate this access.
The aquarium's substrate should be soft sand to accommodate the fish's bottom-dwelling habits. Decorations might include smooth rocks and driftwood to form shaded areas and hiding spots, complemented by dense plantings of robust species like Vallisneria, large Anubias, or Aponogeton. Lighting should be subdued or diffused through dense foliage. Water filtration should be efficient but gentle to avoid strong currents that could stress the fish. Despite their resilience, Barred Bichirs are sensitive to pH fluctuations and high nitrate levels, necessitating regular partial water changes to maintain optimal water quality.
In appearance, Barred Bichirs are greyish with possible specks of yellow or green. Their ventral surfaces are lighter compared to their dorsal sides. The dorsal fin is notably distinct, consisting of individual spines, and their largely cartilaginous structure and primitive jawbone morphology bear more resemblance to those of a salamander than typical fish anatomy.
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Sexual Dimorphism
Identifying the gender of Barred Bichirs can pose a significant challenge; however, notable differences can be observed during breeding conditions. Specifically, the anal fin of the male becomes noticeably thicker and more muscular, serving as a distinguishing characteristic during this period.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Polypterus delhezi |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1899 |
| Other Names | Delhezi Bichir, Banded Bichir |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Polypteriformes |
| Family | Polypteridae |
| Genus | Polypterus |
| Origins | Democratic Republic of the Congo |
| Approx Max Size | 35 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom - Middle |
| Difficulty | Intermediate - Advanced |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | Loners |
| Diet & Feeding | Carnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg Depositor |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 15 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.0 - 8.0 |
| GH | 5 - 25 |
| ℉ | 76 - 86 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 24 - 30 |
Natural Habitat
The Barred Bichir is native to the Congo River, predominantly inhabiting the upper and middle reaches of the river system in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Africa. While it adapts to various water parameters, it shows a preference for tranquil lakes, streams, and floodplain fields rich in aquatic vegetation. As a solitary nocturnal predator, the Barred Bichir spends its days concealed in dimly lit, sheltered areas and emerges at night to prey on worms, small fish and insect larvae.
Breeding
Barred Bichirs have been successfully bred in captivity, although such occurrences are rare and documentation is sparse. This presents an intriguing opportunity for the committed aquarist looking to undertake a challenging breeding project. Banded Bichir breed during the rainy season in their natural habitat, suggesting that mimicking environmental changes such as large, cool water changes and increased water flow might induce breeding behaviours in captivity.
The breeding process is marked by a delicate courtship ritual, where the male and female swim in parallel, often navigating through dense aquatic vegetation. The male engages in a series of subtle lateral head movements towards the female. If receptive, the female will halt her swimming, allowing the male to position his anal fin around her genital area. This leads to a static phase where a small number of eggs are released into a cup-like structure formed by the male's anal fin, where they are subsequently fertilized.
The male uses vigorous tail movements to disperse the fertilized eggs, which are adhesive and attach themselves to surrounding vegetation. This cycle repeats several times until the female has expelled all her eggs, typically amounting to several hundred. Notably, the adults do not exhibit any form of parental care post-spawning. The eggs generally hatch within three to four days, during which the fry remains attached to the vegetation, absorbing nutrients from their yolk sacs. As they begin to feed independently, they should be provided with baby brine shrimp (Artemia nauplii). At this early stage, the fry displays external, branched gills resembling salamander larvae.
Diet & Feeding
The Barred Bichir seldom accepts dried foods in captivity, necessitating a diet of varied meaty frozen offerings. Suitable choices for younger, smaller specimens include bloodworms, white mosquito larvae, and vitamin-enriched brine shrimp. Larger individuals, however, require more substantial fare, such as Mysis shrimp, chopped krill, prawns, mussels, and earthworms. While there are instances of some Barred Bichirs consuming pre-soaked sinking carnivore pellets (a precaution to prevent choking, as Bichirs tend to gulp their food), this is relatively uncommon. It is advisable to feed these fish just before turning off the lights, aligning with their natural peak of nocturnal activity.
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Published: 09 May 2024
Last Updated: 21 May 2024