Endlicheri Bichir

 

fish description – Endlicheri Bichir Care Guide ($Polypterus\ endlicheri$)

Category	Detail
Scientific Name	$Polypterus\ endlicheri$
Common Name	Endlicheri Bichir, Saddled Bichir
Origin	Rivers and tributaries (West and Central Africa)
Adult Size	24–28 inches (60–71 cm)
Temperament	Semi-aggressive, territorial, nocturnal predator (will eat small fish)
Lifespan	10–20+ years
Care Level	Advanced (due to size, lifespan, and bioload)

Export to Sheets

---

 

Appearance and Sexual Differences

 

• Short Description: A massive, elongated, snake-like fish with a thick, robust body covered in thick, bony ganoid scales (armor). It is distinguished by a series of “saddle” patterns (dark vertical blotches) across its back and the flat, blunt head of a lower-jaw species.
• Coloration: Typically grey/olive base with 7–12 irregular dark vertical bands (saddles) across the back and sides. Sexing is difficult; males have a noticeably thicker, scoop-like anal fin when mature, while the female’s is thinner.
• Fins: Features multiple small finlets running along the dorsal side and prominent pectoral fins used for locomotion on the substrate. Bichirs possess primitive lungs and must gulp air from the surface occasionally.
• Behavior: Mostly nocturnal and bottom-dwelling, spending its time resting or slowly cruising the substrate. It is an ambush predator and will readily eat any fish that fits in its large mouth. Notorious escape artists; require a tight-fitting, heavy lid.

---

 

Tank Requirements and Water Parameters

 

• Minimum Tank Size: 240 gallons (908 liters) is the absolute minimum for a single adult. Tank length and width are crucial; prioritize a tank with an 8-foot-long footprint or more.
• Schooling: Can be kept singly or in groups (of similarly sized species) in a very large tank. They establish a hierarchy and may bicker over food, but serious aggression is rare among appropriately sized individuals.
• Temperature: Tropical range: $74^\circ$–$82^\circ\text{F}\ (23^\circ$–$28^\circ\mathrm{C})$ (stability is essential).
• pH Level: Highly adaptable: 6.0 to 8.0 (prefers slightly acidic to neutral). Requires massive filtration (sump or canister filters) and frequent partial water changes to handle their heavy bioload.
• Aquascape: Soft sand substrate is mandatory; coarse gravel can be swallowed and cause lethal impaction. Provide ample hiding places and cover using large, heavy driftwood and smooth rocks/caves. Ensure a small air gap remains between the water surface and the lid for air gulping.

---

 

Diet and Feeding

 

The Endlicheri Bichir is a dedicated carnivore and nocturnal predator.

• Staple Diet: Should consist of sinking, meaty, high-protein foods. They primarily detect food by smell.
• Supplementation: Offer a varied diet of frozen/thawed foods (prawns, krill, mussels, chopped fish, beef heart sparingly) and live foods (earthworms, nightcrawlers). Sinking carnivorous pellets/sticks can be used as a base.
• Schedule: Feed once daily when juvenile. Reduce frequency to 3–4 times per week as they reach adulthood. Feed in the evening or after lights out to match their nocturnal activity and ensure they get enough food.

---

 

Compatibility

 

• Caution: Will eat any fish small enough to fit in its mouth (Neon Tetras, small Barbs, etc.). Heaters and other unsecured equipment should be protected as the fish is strong and may damage them.
• Good Tank Mates: Other large, robust, and peaceful to semi-aggressive fish that occupy the mid-to-upper water columns and are far too large to be swallowed. Examples include Arowanas, Datnoids, Large Catfish (Raphael, Synodontis), Large Cichlids (Oscars, Severums), and Tinfoil Barbs.