Polypterus delhezi “Banded Bichir”

The Banded Bichir is a long, slender fish that has a prehistoric appearance. The body is light brown to olive in color and most fish have a series of dark bars that adorn the dorsal side. It has large, paddle-shaped pectoral fins on which it will sometimes rest. The dorsal fin is made up of large connected spines that run almost the entire length of the body. The tail is wide and rounded. Banded Bichirs are predators and will consume any fish that they can swallow as well as pellets, worms, and other meaty foods. However, with larger tankmates, these fish are relatively passive. They can, however, be territorial toward their own kind, so be sure to keep them in a large tank if planning to keep more than one. They are also good jumpers, so be sure that the aquarium has a tight-fitting lid. Bichirs are hardy fish and easy to maintain as long as the aquarium is kept clean and the water quality pristine.