Common name: Saddled Bichir
Scientific name: Polypterus endlicheri endlicheri
Family: Polypteridae
Origin: Nigeria, Africa; Nile River, Chad basin, Niger River, Volta River, Bandama River, upper Comoé River and Ouémé River
Maximum size: 24"
Care: Requires a tank of at least 75 gallons due to its potential to reach huge lengths. A powerful filtration system that is capable of handling sudden surges in pollution should be present. Through experience, it has been found that Saddled Bichirs are able to tolerate a range of water conditions, and water temperature should be around 77 to 83f. To provide shelter for daylight hours, decorate the aquarium with heavy rocks and bogwood, as Saddled Bichirs are nocturnal. Use dim lighting to keep the fish at ease. Gravel substrate it not recommended as they are clumsy eaters and may accidentally swallow gravel pieces, leading to choking. The ideal would be fine sand substrate. Like all bichirs, Saddled Bichirs are predatory and will eat any fish that can be fit into its mouth, hence tankmates should be big enough to avoid such a situation.
Feeding: Meaty foods, which includes beef heart, mussels and whitebait, are recommened. Juveniles can feed bloodworms until they are large enough to take bigger foods.
Sexing: Males have a large pocket like anal fin.
Breeding: Unknown
Comments: Saddled Bichirs can jump out of the aquarium if startled, so use a tight fitting cover. Because of the potential weight of these fish, it is advisable to use clear plastic or perspex covers rather than glass ones, which could shatter if hit by a leaping bichir.
Scientific name: Polypterus endlicheri endlicheri
Family: Polypteridae
Origin: Nigeria, Africa; Nile River, Chad basin, Niger River, Volta River, Bandama River, upper Comoé River and Ouémé River
Maximum size: 24"
Care: Requires a tank of at least 75 gallons due to its potential to reach huge lengths. A powerful filtration system that is capable of handling sudden surges in pollution should be present. Through experience, it has been found that Saddled Bichirs are able to tolerate a range of water conditions, and water temperature should be around 77 to 83f. To provide shelter for daylight hours, decorate the aquarium with heavy rocks and bogwood, as Saddled Bichirs are nocturnal. Use dim lighting to keep the fish at ease. Gravel substrate it not recommended as they are clumsy eaters and may accidentally swallow gravel pieces, leading to choking. The ideal would be fine sand substrate. Like all bichirs, Saddled Bichirs are predatory and will eat any fish that can be fit into its mouth, hence tankmates should be big enough to avoid such a situation.
Feeding: Meaty foods, which includes beef heart, mussels and whitebait, are recommened. Juveniles can feed bloodworms until they are large enough to take bigger foods.
Sexing: Males have a large pocket like anal fin.
Breeding: Unknown
Comments: Saddled Bichirs can jump out of the aquarium if startled, so use a tight fitting cover. Because of the potential weight of these fish, it is advisable to use clear plastic or perspex covers rather than glass ones, which could shatter if hit by a leaping bichir.
