Ornate Bichir: The Prehistoric Aquarium Fish
If you’re looking for an unusual, low-maintenance fish to add to your freshwater aquarium, the ornate bichir (Polypterus ornatipinnis) might be just the fish for you. This lobe-finned pike is a fascinating addition to any tank, and its hard bony scales and soft rays make it one of the toughest and most prehistoric-looking fish around.
In this article, we’ll explore the characteristics, ease of care, and history of the ornate bichir, and provide you with all the information you need to keep this ancient-looking fish in your own aquarium.
About Ornate Bichir
The ornate bichir is a freshwater fish native to swampy areas in Africa, including the Congo River and Lake Tanganyika. It is known for its unusual appearance, which is similar to that of a dinosaur eel.
Its hard bony scales cover its body, and it has dorsal finlets that run along its back. Ornate bichirs can grow up to 35 inches in length, and they can live for up to 15 years in the right conditions.
Ease of Care and Aquarium
One of the benefits of keeping an ornate bichir in your aquarium is that they are relatively easy to care for. They are low maintenance and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions.
For example, they can live in water with a pH range of 6.5 to 8.5 and a temperature range of 74 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. They do well in larger tanks of at least 75 gallons with plenty of hiding spaces, such as plants, rocks, and caves.
They are also compatible with other large, peaceful fish, such as cichlids, catfish, and plecos.
Characteristics of Ornate Bichir
Appearance
The ornate bichir’s appearance is one of the reasons why many people find it fascinating. It has a long, eel-like body with a dorsal fin and can grow up to 35 inches in length.
Its scales are hard and bony, giving it a prehistoric look. The ornate bichir is also known for its unique finlets that run along its back, which give it an almost armored appearance.
It has a pair of small, weak eyes, and it relies on its sense of smell and lateral line to navigate its environment and find prey.
Distribution and Habitat
The ornate bichir is native to the swampy areas of Africa, including the Congo River and Lake Tanganyika. It is usually found in areas with thick vegetation, where it can hide from predators and hunt for food.
This fish is usually found lurking in the shadows along the river or lake bottom, waiting for prey to come within reach.
Prehistoric Origin
The ornate bichir is part of a group of ancient fishes known as Polypteriformes, which have been around for over 60 million years. These fish are often referred to as “dinosaur eels” due to their prehistoric look and behavior.
While most fish have evolved to have a swim bladder to control their buoyancy, the ornate bichir and other Polypteriformes have not. They instead have an adapted lung, which allows them to breathe air when oxygen levels are low, and they can survive out of water for short periods of time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, keeping an ornate bichir in your freshwater aquarium is a unique experience that can add an element of prehistoric wonder to your tank. With a bit of attention to their dietary and environmental needs, these fish can thrive for years.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, fascinating fish, then the ornate bichir might be the perfect addition to your tank.
Caring for Ornate Bichir
Ornate bichirs are fascinating fish with a prehistoric look that can add a unique dimension to your freshwater aquarium. While they are relatively low maintenance, caring for them does require some attention to their habitat, water conditions, and feeding requirements.
In this article, we’ll go into detail on how to care for your ornate bichir and answer some frequently asked questions about these fascinating fish.
Aquarium Size and Environment
Ornate bichirs can grow up to 38 inches long and require a spacious aquarium to thrive. A minimum tank size of 6ft x 2ft x 2ft is recommended to provide ample swimming and hiding space.
A soft sandy substrate is ideal for these fish, as it mimics their natural habitat and is gentle on their delicate bellies. They also require plenty of hiding places, such as rocks, driftwood, shelter, and dense planting.
Caves are particularly important for the ornate bichir, as it provides them with a place to hide from more dominant fish in the tank. Ornate bichirs prefer dim lighting, and it is important to minimize their exposure to bright light.
They are known to suffer from stress and can become more vulnerable to disease in brightly lit tanks. Additionally, ornate bichirs do not require aeration, as they breathe air and do not rely on dissolved oxygen.
Water Conditions
Ornate bichirs require specific water conditions to thrive. The pH of the water should range from 7.0 to 8.0, with a hardness (dH) level between 5-20.
Low nitrate levels are essential, as nitrates can harm their delicate gill membranes. A high-quality filtration system will help maintain water quality, but it is also important to perform regular water changes to keep nitrates in check.
The ideal water temperature for the ornate bichir ranges between 75-82 degrees Fahrenheit.
Feeding
Ornate bichirs are carnivores that require meaty food in their diet. In the wild, they feed on small fish, crustaceans, and insects.
In captivity, the ornate bichir will accept a variety of live and frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, krill, prawns, mussels, and dried foods. They have small mouths, so it is best to feed them small, bite-sized pieces.
Offering variety is key to ensuring their nutritional needs are met. When feeding, be careful not to overfeed your ornate bichir.
They are prone to obesity, which can lead to health problems such as swim bladder disease.
Feeding once or twice a day is sufficient.
Breeding
Breeding ornate bichirs in captivity is challenging, but it is possible with patience and the right conditions. They require a larger tank for breeding, a clean and well-filtered environment, and high-quality water.
Courtship displays include jerking movements, cupping, and sweeping movements over substrate and plants. The males will entice the female to lay her eggs with displays of aggression and territorial behavior.
The male deposits his sperm over the eggs as they are deposited, while the female fans her tail to aerate the eggs. The eggs hatch within 6-10 days, and the larvae have external gills and a yolk sac.
As they mature, they can be fed baby brine shrimp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Size and Tank Requirements
Q: How big can an ornate bichir get? A: Ornate bichirs can grow up to 38 inches long in the wild.
In an aquarium, they can grow up to 23 inches. A tank of 6ft x 2ft x 2ft is the minimum size for this fish.
Feeding
Q: What should I feed my ornate bichir? A: Ornate bichirs are carnivores that require meaty foods.
They will accept a variety of live and frozen foods, such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, krill, prawns, mussels, and dried foods. Q: How often should I feed my ornate bichir?
A:
Feeding once or twice a day is sufficient. Be careful not to overfeed, as ornate bichirs are prone to obesity.
Smallest Bichir Species
Q: What is the smallest bichir species? A: The Senegal bichir (Polypterus senegalus) is the smallest bichir species and can grow up to 14 inches in length.
It is also one of the most popular bichir species in the aquarium trade.
Conclusion
Caring for an ornate bichir requires some attention to their habitat, water conditions, and feeding requirements. Providing them with a spacious aquarium, plenty of hiding places, and the right water conditions will ensure they thrive.
Offering a varied diet of meaty foods is key to maintaining their nutritional needs. With patience and the right conditions, breeding them in captivity is possible.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy these fascinating prehistoric-looking fish in your own freshwater aquarium.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ornate bichir is a fascinating fish with an ancient and primitive look that can add a unique dimension to your freshwater aquarium. While they are low maintenance, they still require attention to their habitat, water conditions, and feeding requirements.
This article has gone in-depth on each aspect of caring for the ornate bichir, and it is our hope that it has provided you with all the information you need to provide the best care for your ornate bichirs. It is important to note that ornate bichirs are not a beginner’s fish.
They require a large and spacious aquarium, and their unique requirements mean that they are best suited for experienced hobbyists. Their prehistoric appearance and behavior make them a fascinating fish to watch, and they are sure to delight and intrigue anyone who sees them.
Recommendation
If you are an experienced hobbyist looking for an unusual and fascinating fish to add to your freshwater aquarium, we highly recommend the ornate bichir. Their primitive appearance and behavior are a delight to watch, and their low-maintenance requirements make them a low-stress addition to any tank.
However, if you are a beginner, we recommend starting with a smaller and less demanding fish before taking on the challenge of keeping ornate bichirs. While they are a fascinating addition to any aquarium, their unique requirements and size mean that they are not a suitable choice for all hobbyists.
In summary, the ornate bichir is a prehistoric-looking fish that requires specific care to thrive, but it is a fascinating addition to any freshwater aquarium. If you provide them with a suitable habitat, proper water conditions, and a varied diet, these ancient fish can thrive in your aquarium for years to come.
In summary, the ornate bichir is an ancient and fascinating fish that requires specific care to thrive in a freshwater aquarium. To keep them healthy, it is important to provide them with a spacious tank, appropriate water conditions, and a varied diet.
While they are low maintenance, they are not suitable for beginner hobbyists and are best left to experienced aquarium enthusiasts. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can enjoy the unique and prehistoric charm of the ornate bichir in your own aquarium for years to come.