Polypterus retropinnis(Speckled bichir)

Bichirs are large, predatory fish distinguished by their armoured bodies, numerous dorsal fins, and lobed pectoral and pelvic fins. They have a very ancient look about them, and can make interesting and rewarding pets.

One of the smaller species, this fish is basically a mottled grey, and lighter underneath.

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Fish information (behaviour and breeding):

A good community fish provided it is not kept with species so small they will be viewed as food. This fish gets along well with Ctenopoma, Synodontis, and large African tetras such as Congo tetras.

Bichirs are predators and will take a wide variety of live foods including mealworms, river shrimp, and bloodworms. They will also accept dead foods such as frozen prawns, mussels, and lancefish.

Family Group:	Bichir
Distribution	West and Central Africa
Temperature	24-28C
Size	35 cm
Water Parameters	Neutral water conditions preferred
Water PH	7.0-7.5
Diet	Adaptable
Sociability	Aggressive
Care Level	Difficult
Water Chemistry	More than pH 7 - Alkaline
Schooling Fish	No

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Useful sources of information:

The Aqualog "Polypterus" book by Frank Schaefer is by far the most detailed book on species of bichir. To buy a copy of this book click here.

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Shop stock

The latest shops to have this fish in stock are listed below. Click on a shop name for full shop details, or click the link below the shops to view ALL shops that stock this fish.

No shops currently have any stock of this fish

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Other fish added to TFF recently:

Other fish added to TFF/TF2YD recently can be viewed below.

	Scientific Name	Common Name
	Pseudacanthicus pitanga L024	L24, Red Fin Cactus Pleco
	Paraneetroplus synspilus	Red Head Quetzel Cichlid
	Piaractus brachypomus	Red Belly Pacu
	Astronotus Ocellatus 'yellow'	Lemon Yellow Oscar
	Cichlasoma sp. HYBRID	Flowerhorn Cichlid 'Short Body Super Red Dragon'