Ornate Bichir

<p>The <em>Polypterus ornatipinnis</em> is popular due to their distinctive marbled coloring.  Their pattern tends to fade as they age, and they can live 10 - 15 years.  The average adult is large 63.5 cm (25 inches).  It has eyes on the sides of its head, and poor eyesight.  Its body is elongated with 9 to 11 dorsal spines.  Their pectoral fin is placed very similarly to the location of legs on a lizard. The body is covered with multilayered scales that prevent them from drying out quickly when out of the water.  Their swim bladder is modified into a primitive lung which is used to take in supplementary air.  This lung enables them to survive out of water for extended periods.  In their natural habitat they can survive up to two days, using their pectoral fins to crawl over land.  Even when there is sufficient oxygen, they will come to the surface on a regular basis for oxygen. </p> <p>They are nocturnal, bottom dwellers.  In general they are more or less solitary fish and do not form schools.  They are not generally found in the deepest waters, preferring to live and feed near the bottom of bodies of water, which is often rocky.  While the Ornate Bichir is growing a larger tank is required.  The aquarium should have well-rooted, over hanging plants, because it is mainly nocturnal and does not like bright lighting.  The root system is important, otherwise this large fish will eventually uproot and destroy the plants.  They also prefer many hiding places in the form of caves, rocks, wood, sand, or gravel on the bottom, much like their native habitat.  Most of the time they hide themselves, thus floor space is important. </p> <p>Juveniles are small, and their size makes them vulnerable to predation.  To alleviate their nervousness they come to the surface for air which allows them to flee danger.  Always ensure that your Bichir has enough room to go up for a fresh breath of air.</p> <p>Always make sure the aquarium is tightly covered with no open holes or means of escape. Their muscled body makes them excellent escape artists, they are able to lift the lit of the aquarium or squeeze through small openings.  They often end their lives next to the aquarium.</p> <p>Cichlids are not a good choice of tank mate because their aggression will cause Polypterus to hide and stop feeding.  When stressed to much, often will excrete a more slimy coat on their body.  Thin scales, due to inefficient diet, can lead to a fungal or bacterial infection that can kill them.</p>

<p>Polypterus are opportunistic, ambush predators that mostly feed on bait.  Generally they move slowly and cautiously. Most of the time they hide themselves.  It has the ability to balance on its tail.  This is an ambush technique used to gain a better vantage point, and attack when opportunity arises.  If ambush doesn’t work, they rely on dusk or night to catch prey easily.  Remember, their eyesight is poor, so food is found by smell.  Often they get more active in dusk or at night, although there are large differences in terms of activity within the species.</p> <p>As a juvenile it typically feeds on worms and insect larvae.  As an adult it takes larger food, mainly other fish.  They can swallow large prety, and are able to open their mouths wide, almost the diameter of their body.  Feed should consist of meaty type foods, either good quality pellets of the appropriate size, or chunks of frozen foods (i.e. shrimp, beef heart, chunks of raw fish, blood worms, black worms, and earthworms).  They are relatively peaceful with other fish as long as their tankmates do not fit in their mouth.  They will eat others of their own kind given the chance though, so other Bichirs should be close to the same size.</p> <p>They are messy eaters, so make use of good filter, and change water frequently to maintain good water quality. </p>

<p>Males are distinguished by the thicker anal fin that is about twice as wide as, and more muscular than, the females.</p>

<p>When sexually mature males instinctively show off by bending their anal fin.  With the bended anal fin they are able to catch eggs, fertilize them, and release them.  The male makes a sort of cup from the anal fin and the female lays eggs in this cup.</p>

<p>Thin scales, due to inefficient diet, can lead to a fungal or bacterial infection that can kill them.</p>

<p>Africa: Congo River, Lake Tanganyika, and Lake Rukwa</p>

<p>They are relatively peaceful with other fish as long as their tankmates do not fit in their mouth.  They will eat others of their own kind given the chance though, so other Bichirs should be close to the same size.</p> <p>Always make sure the aquarium is tightly covered with no open holes or means of escape. Their muscled body makes them excellent escape artists, they are able to lift the lit of the aquarium or squeeze through small openings.  They often end their lives next to the aquarium.</p> <p>Cichlids are not a good choice of tank mate because their aggression will cause Polypterus to hide and stop feeding.  When stressed to much, often will excrete a more slimy coat on their body.  Thin scales, due to inefficient diet, can lead to a fungal or bacterial infection that can kill them.</p>

<p>When newly introduced to an aquarium, they will also need spots where they can rest near the surface. </p>

Venomous (Change Content)