All fish / Polypteridae

Poll's Bichir

Polypterus polli

Also known as poll's bichir, polli bichir, pygmy bichir, dwarf bichir, polypterus polli, poli bichir, ポリプテルス・ポーリー, 波丽多鳍鱼, 波利恐龙

A small, eel-like bichir with a row of finlets along its back and a brown body marked with dark blotches and spots over a yellowish base. It is kept for its prehistoric look and calm, inquisitive behaviour, and it stays smaller than most bichirs, which makes it easier to house.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

20 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

200 litres

Keep as

Singly or in a small group in a roomy tank

Diet

Carnivore: bloodworm, earthworms, prawn, mussel, fish fillet and sinking carnivore pellets

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Congo River basin (DR Congo, Republic of the Congo), especially Malebo Pool and the lower Congo

Breeding

It lays eggs that are scattered among plants after the male cups his anal fin to fertilise them. Captive spawning is rare and most fish sold are wild caught or come from commercial farms.

Good to know

It will eat any fish small enough to fit in its mouth, so keep it away from small tetras and similar species. Use a tight lid because bichirs can climb out through very small gaps.