Armoured bichir

Polypterus delhezi

Gray-green body with 7–8 dark vertical bars of variable thickness, 10–13 dorsal finlets and a relatively small mouth.

Natural habitat: Inhabits lakes, streams and flooded areas, often with dense vegetation.

Appearance and identification

Usually more vertically barred than the plain Senegal bichir, but captive-bred markings can be weak; stripes alone do not identify it.

Often nocturnal and scent-guided; quiet behaviour does not make companions safe.

Provide a secure lid, surface breathing access, soft substrate and cover; prioritise floor area. A 120 × 45 cm base for adult planning.

Offer appropriate animal foods; newly acquired fish may refuse dry feed.

Keep surfacing and bottom routes open. Plants do not prevent predation on small fish or shrimp.

Sources