The barred bichir

barred bichir

Scientific name	Polypterus delhezi
Descriptor	Boulenger
Year of description	1899
IUCN category (World)	LC
Family	Polypteridae
Genus	Polypterus

Introduction

Polypterus delhezi, commonly known as barred bichir, is a fresh water fish from the Africa.

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Who is it?

Morphology

Average size

32 cm
Maximum size

44 cm
Shape

Serpentiform
Pattern

vertical stripes

Average size

32 cm
Maximum size

44 cm
Shape

Serpentiform
Pattern

vertical stripes

How to recognize the barred bichir ?

The barred bichir measures between 32 and 44 cm. This fish is bicolore with a predominantly noir and beige body. The also has noir vertical stripes.

Sexual dimorphism

Behaviour & Life cycle

diet

carnivorous
Sociability

solitary
territorial

No
Way of living

nocturnal

The barred bichir hunts in the stalk and is one of the predators of its biotope. Opportunistic, it does not hesitate to attack any smaller animal nearby.

The barred bichir is a fish solitary naturally found near the bottom. This species is carnivorous . This fish lives mainly at night. Usually, it leaves its hiding place and starts to be active once it gets dark.

Although the barred bichir is non-territorial, it is sometimes aggressive towards other species.

Reproduction

Harmless species

This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.

Where to find it?

Origin

Africa

Countries

République démocratique du Congo

Basins

Congo

Conservation status of populations (IUCN)

World : LC

Where to see this species?

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

Temperature

26 - 28 °C
pH (acidity)

6 - 7.5
gh (hardness)

6 - 16
Flow

Slow and Stagnant

Biotope presentation

Species of the same biotope

Fishkeeping

Not recommended

We do not recommend keeping this species in an aquarium. It has unpredictable needs which, if not met, generate significant stress, potentially leading to a shorter life expectancy, an interruption of its growth or the development of pathogens.

To go further

Species of the same family

To read on the web

Sources & Contributions

Participation & Validation

The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.

Didier Paugy

Benoit Chartrer

Translation

Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.