SCIENTIFIC NAME: Polypterus ornatipinnis The Ornate Bichir, Polypterus ornatipinnis, is arguably one of the most attractive species in the Bichir group. It is a Lobe-finned Pike, a freshwater fish originating from rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes of Central Africa, where they forage along the substrate for small fish, worms, crustaceans and similar meaty foods. The Ornate Bichir is semi-aggressive in the fact that they will swallow any fish or invertebrate that they can fit into their mouth. As with other members of the primitive Polypteridae family, the Ornate Bichir has the unique ability to survive out of water. With a lung-like paired swimbladder and gills to help breathing, the Ornate Bichir can spend short periods of time on land, but must soon return to its water environment for adequate respiration. Obtaining a length of 24 inches, the Ornate Bichir ideally does best in a large aquarium of at least six foot long and two foot wide with other ‘oddball’ inhabitants. A densely planted aquarium with numerous hiding places and a sandy bottom with areas of subdued lighting would help this species flourish. Be careful in choosing passive tank mates for the Bichir, as Bichirs are very passive towards other large fish. However, they are aggressive towards their own kind, and only one should be incorporated into an aquarium, unless the aquarium is very large. Prone to jumping, a tight, well-sealed aquarium lid is highly recommended.
