Ornate Bichir - Polypterus ornatipinnis

Species name: Polypterus ornatipinnis

Synonym: Polypterus weeksii

Common Names: Ornate bichir

Family: Polypteridae

Order: Polypteriformes

Class: Actinopterygii

Max. size: 60 cm / 25 inches

Environment: Freshwater

Origin: Congo River and Lake Tanganyika and Lake Rukwa. Africa

Temperament: Peaceful

Company: Other peaceful species that are to large to be considered food i.e. at least half the size if the bichirs.

Water parameters: pH 6-8.0 Temperature 26 - 28°C / 77 - 83° F

Aquarium setup: Ornate bichir in best kept in larger aquariums as they grow very fast and can reach 60 cm / 25 inches in leght. Decorated the aquarium so that a lot of higing places are created among roots and rocks. Avoid using plants as they most likely will be destroyed. They are a nocturnal fish species but are sometimes active during the day. Use a fine grained substrate.

Feeding: All kinds if frozen foods. Some specimens can be trained to accept pellets.

Breeding: Can be breed in aquarium however breeding is very rare. Males have a large pocket like anal fin. Polypterus ornatipinnis scatter their eggs and leave their young to fend for them self.

Picture of Ornate bichir - Polypterus ornatipinnis. Copyright www.jjphoto.dk

Polypterus ornatipinnis - Ornate bichir picture. Copyright www.jjphoto.dk

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