Above: In the picture is a nice premium quality Lapradei (Koliba) Bichir, swimming in one of our aquariums, when one of us snapped this picture.

Comments: These are fabulous looking fish with unique characteristics and distinct markings.

Origin: Bichirs are found in tropical Africa and the Nile River system and were usually wild fish, but now they're being spawned and raised by skillful fish farmers, and they're found living in aquariums all over the world

Maximum Size: In aquariums this Bichir can grow to be about 24" long, and sometimes larger if fed properly, and if the water quality is good.

Behaviors: Bichirs are usually semi-aggressive fish that will eat small fish.

Compatibility: Some recommended tankmates include any fish that are too big to be eaten by the Bichir.

Click here to read more about compatible groups of pet fish.

Temperature: Bichirs live best from about 75 to 80-degrees F. with 78 being perhaps ideal.

Click here to learn about aquarium temperature, aquarium thermometers, and aquarium heaters.

Feeding: Premium Fish Food Pellets is the best food to feed to Bichirs. Smaller sized pellets when they are small, and larger sized pellets when they grow to be larger.

Click here to learn more about and shop online for premium fish foods.

Water Conditions: They are used to hard alkaline water but can adapt to most types of water, and so as usual it's best not to try to change the pH or alkalinity.

Click here for a lot more information about aquarium water conditions.

Aquarium Size: small young Bichirs will do fine in an aquarium with 30-gallons of water, but eventually they'll need a much bigger aquarium. Bigger is always better with Bichirs.

Decor: Bichirs do not need gravel, and a layer of gravel more than 1/4" thick will usually fill with bits of uneaten food that will contaminate the water.

Click here for more about aquarium gravel.

Live plants are beautiful and improve the water quality.

Aquarium Filter: Bio-Wheel Filters are highly recommended. A 30-gallon aquarium should be filtered with a Penguin 350B Filter.

Most 80-gallon aquariums have room along the back for at least two Penguin 350B Filters, and this is sort of a minimal set up for larger Bichirs.

Better is a 120, 150, or 200-gallon aquarium with as many Penguin 350B Filters as will fit across the back.

Click here to learn more about aquarium filters.

The addition of Lava Rocks will keep nitrates in the ideal range. Click here to learn more about using Lava Rocks in aquariums.

Life Span: Bichirs can live for many years. Keep the water conditions excellent and feed them premium foods, and they'll probably live even longer.

Gender: The male's anal fin is usually thicker and larger than the female's.

Breeding: Bichirs are now being spawned and raised by very skillful fish farmers.

Bichirs scatter their eggs on the leaves of plants then guard their eggs and young fry.

Click here for a lot more about breeding various tropical fish in aquariums.

Popularity: These fish are still rare but popular with advanced aquarists.

Names: The scientific name for Lapradei Bichir is Polypterus bichir lapradei.

Variations: There are several species of Bichirs in the wild and in the aquarium hobby.

Click here for a lot more information about keeping and caring for Wild Fish, including a picture gallery.

We hope you've enjoyed reading these comments.

DrTom - 08/17/2015