Can a Delhezi Bichir live entirely underwater?

No. Bichirs are obligate air breathers. If they are denied access to the surface of the water to take gulps of atmospheric air, they will eventually drown.

Why is my bichir trying to jump out of the tank?

Bichirs are natural explorers and often move between bodies of water in the wild. They will exploit any gap in the aquarium hood. Ensure you have a heavy, tight-fitting lid with no unprotected holes.

Do I need to feed my Delhezi Bichir live fish?

No, and it is actually discouraged due to the risk of introducing disease. They will eagerly accept prepared foods such as sinking carnivore pellets, earthworms, and frozen prawns.

How fast does a Delhezi Bichir grow?

They grow quite rapidly for the first year, often reaching 20-25 cm within 12 months if fed well. After this, their growth rate slows significantly until they reach their maximum size of around 35-40 cm.

Can I keep two Delhezi Bichirs together?

Yes, bichirs are generally very tolerant of their own kind and other bichir species, provided the aquarium footprint is large enough and there are plenty of hiding spaces.

FreshwaterTropicalIntermediate

Delhezi Bichir

Polypterus delhezi

The Delhezi Bichir is a fascinating, prehistoric-looking oddball fish known for its striking vertical bands and obligate air-breathing biology.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 24 – 30 °C
pH range: 6 – 8
Hardness: 5 – 20 dGH
Adult size: 35 – 40 cm
Footprint is crucial; minimum 120x60cm floor space: 350 litres+
Lifespan: 10 – 15 years
Diet: Carnivore
Water flow: Low to moderate
Preferred setup: Soft sand substrate with large driftwood and smooth rocks. Extremely tight-fitting lid is mandatory.

About the Delhezi Bichir

Polypterus delhezi, commonly known as the Armoured or Banded Bichir, is a relatively small and highly attractive member of the Polypteridae family. Hailing from the Congo basin, it is easily identified by the dark, striking vertical bands that criss-cross its greyish-green back and flanks. As an ancient lobe-finned fish, it possesses a modified swim bladder that acts as a pair of lungs, alongside distinct dorsal finlets that give it a decidedly reptilian or dinosaur-like appearance. Its distinctive looks and relatively manageable adult size compared to larger bichirs make it a highly sought-after oddball for large aquariums.

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Is it right for your tank?

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Where Delhezi Bichir comes from

Native range

Congo River basin

Countries / regions

Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo

Habitat

Heavily vegetated swamps, slow-moving rivers, and shallow flooded areas.

Widespread throughout the middle and upper Congo River basin.

Similar species

Senegal Bichir
Polypterus senegalus
Ornate Bichir
Polypterus ornatipinnis
Saddled Bichir
Polypterus endlicheri

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Silver Dollar
Metynnis argenteus
Large, deep-bodied, and fast enough to evade the bichir, occupying the mid-to-upper water column out of its way.
Great
Senegal Bichir
Polypterus senegalus
Similar size and temperament; bichirs generally cohabitate peacefully as long as they are roughly the same size.
Great
Severum
Heros efasciatus
A robust, relatively peaceful cichlid that grows large enough not to be considered prey.
Great
Common Plecostomus
Hypostomus plecostomus
Large plecos will not be eaten, but some individuals develop a habit of rasping on the slow-moving bichir's slime coat.
Compatible with caution
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
Small, torpedo-shaped fish will be effortlessly swallowed whole at night.
Not recommended
Bronze Corydoras
Corydoras aeneus
Corydoras will be viewed as prey, but their defensive pectoral spines can cause them to become fatally lodged in the bichir's throat.
Not recommended

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