Sea snake dinosaur
Dinosaur eel is the common name for Gray Bichir, Polypterus senegalus, although it is a fish, not an eel. There are more than a dozen species of these fish, but Gray Bashir or Singalus Bashir are the most common and popular among aquarists. This basher is covered in dark gray horizontal bands that become paler as the fish grows. Some species of Bichirs can reach over three feet in length, though most species, including the Senegal Bichirs, grow to about one foot.
natural habitat
It can be found native to the lakes, rivers, floodplains, and swamps of Africa, especially the Congo River and the Nile. They are able to survive in waters with low oxygen content and can move around in search of food or to find other moist areas in their homes that dry up in time of drought.
distinguishing features
The misnomer of dinosaur eels (hereafter referred to as bichir) comes from the prehistoric appearance of this long fish. Its snake-like body is covered in thick, bone-like scales made of an enamel-like substance called januine, which resemble the oldest now-extinct ray-finned fish. It has a distinct series of up to 18 dorsal larynxes, each one with sharp spines, which are created when agitated. The fleshy pectoral fins, which control the slow movement of the fish, are attached behind and below the gill slits. It is also able to travel over land using its powerful pelvic fins. Bichirs are also able to breathe air via a lung-like modification of their swim bladder. Other characteristics include a pair of nostrils, a long mandible and external nostrils that protrude from the nose to enable the bashir to catch scent due to its poor eyesight. Females tend to be larger than males, while adult males have thicker dorsal spines and broader anal fins.
My diet
Bichirs are predators and are primarily carnivorous and will attack and prey on small, easily swallowed fish as well as slower moving fish. They also eat insects, crustaceans, and frogs. Since they are nocturnal, they feed mainly at night.
education
After a series of energetic twisting movements, the male anus fertilizes the eggs by encasing the female’s genital opening with his anal and caudal fins. Then scatter the eggs using the patting motions of his tail. However, it is difficult to get Bichirs to breed in captivity. Some aquarists have noted that even when a male and female are present, the male will often be unresponsive and will not fertilize eggs released by the female.
the size of the pelvis
Because of the long growth of Bichirs and their need to breathe air, it is important that they are housed in tall tank aquariums that are not too deep, perhaps even a fish tank table. Aim for an aquarium that’s at least three times the size of the adult Bichir you have or plan to purchase. Choose aquariums that are no more than eighteen inches deep and that don’t fill completely with water. This is important because bichirs need to be able to breathe air and therefore must be able to swim quickly to the surface and back to the bottom where they live.
The ability to use oxygen from the air enables bichirs to survive out of water for several hours. Given this and the fact that they have an instinct to go out from one place to forage in another, it is recommended that you have a tight lid on your aquarium!
Aquarium decor
A thin layer of fine sand or gravel works well as a substrate. Bichirs also love hiding places, especially as they prefer to stay out of the light during the day. So it’s more interesting for them to have sturdy plants, rocks, and tunnels that allow them to show more natural behaviors. Plants attached to wood do best as Bichirs tend to displace rooted plants in the substrate due to their size and when foraging.
water conditions
Being a tropical freshwater fish, Bichirs require a temperature of 75-85 F. They like a pH of 7 or a little lower and prefer slightly hard water. Of course, it is important to perform frequent water changes to ensure water quality in tropical freshwater aquariums.
Aquarium lighting
Bichirs are nocturnal plants so they are usually lethargic during the day and active at night. Instead of turning off the lights of your entire aquarium, provide a natural night-like look by installing a blue moonlight lamp so you can also experience some Bichir action!
feed
Being carnivorous, Bichirs like to feed bait fish, mussels, shrimp, and bloodworms. They will also accept frozen foods with ease. Some aquarists have tried to encourage them to eat dry foods by supplying them just until their hunger gets the better of them, and have found that they adapt well. However, I should mention that this is not their normal diet.
tank mates
Due to Bichirs’ large size and predatory nature, it is extremely important to match them with suitable tank mates. Don’t keep them in fish smaller than three inches which can provide a ready meal! Bichirs are best matched with larger fish because they won’t care much about fish they can’t swallow. Siamese Tigerfish, Angelfish, Great Barbs, Cichlids and Knifefish are potential tank mates. It has been observed that sucker catfish tend to suck on the skin of Bichirs which causes irritation so it is not recommended to keep both types of bottom-dwelling fish. Also, avoid matching them with overly aggressive types. In a very large aquarium, it will be possible to keep several Peshiras together, provided they are about the same size. They should generally tolerate each other, apart from fighting over food!
To keep or not to keep?
Bichirs are interesting specimen fish but be aware of all the issues involved in keeping them, especially tank size and other tropical freshwater fish you have or plan to own. Bichirs also cost more to breed than other fish, although they are a very hardy breed. Keeping the beech in the right environment requires careful planning!