KeepingFishSimple | SKU: LIVE-FISH-SEN-BICHIR-1PK-SML

Senegal Bichir - Multiple Sizes (Polypterus senegalus) (Live Fish)

$150.00 AUD

Tax included

Size

Product variants

Size, Colour & Sex

Appearance & Colour

Fish may vary from the images shown. Colour, patterns, markings and fin shapes can differ naturally between individuals and may change with age, sex, stress and environmental conditions.

Size

All sizes are approximate and provided as a guide. Individual fish may be slightly larger or smaller than advertised.

Sex Requests

Want a male or female? Leave a note at checkout and we'll do our best to accommodate your request. However, we cannot guarantee a particular sex due to availability and the difficulty of sexing some species.

For customers wanting to select specific fish, we recommend visiting us in-store.

For more information, please see our Store Policies.

Acclimation Guide

1. Prepare Your Aquarium

Make sure your aquarium is fully cycled, with 0 ammonia and 0 nitrite, and the temperature is suitable for your new fish.

2. Start Drip Acclimation

Place your fish and their transport water into a clean container. Using airline tubing, slowly drip water from your aquarium into the container at approximately 2–4 drops per second.

3. Slowly Add Aquarium Water

Over the next 30–60 minutes, allow the water volume to approximately double. This helps your fish gradually adjust to their new water conditions.

4. Transfer Your Fish

Gently net your fish into their new aquarium. Avoid adding transport water to your tank.

5. Give Them Time to Settle

Keep the aquarium lights off for a few hours and wait until the following day before feeding.

Important: Arrived with an issue?

If any fish arrive dead (DOA), keep the transport bag sealed and contact us within 24 hours with clear photos of the fish inside the unopened bag.

See our DOA Policy for more information.

Delivery & Shipping

Important: Live Fish Delivery

Please provide accurate contact details and ensure someone is available to receive your fish. This is essential for their safe arrival.

Shipping Costs

We offer discounted shipping on larger livestock orders, with FREE shipping on orders over $400!

Live Fish Shipping Rates

Under $150: $39.95

$150–$249.99: $29.95

$250–$349.99: $19.95

$350–$399.99: $9.95

$400+: FREE SHIPPING

Please view our shipping policy for more information.

Senegal Bichirs are distinctive freshwater fish with elongated, olive-gray to brown bodies accented by darker mottled markings and a pale underside. Their broad, flattened heads, prominent pectoral fins, and row of small, separate dorsal finlets give them a prehistoric, armor-like appearance.

Common names: Senegal Bichir, Gray Bichir, Dinosaur Bichir, Dinosaur Eel
Scientific name: Polypterus senegalus
Approximate size: 25–35 cm
Temperament: Generally peaceful toward fish too large to swallow, but predatory toward smaller fish and invertebrates
Recommended tank size: 300 L or larger for one adult, with a tank length of at least 120 cm
Diet: Carnivorous; sinking carnivore pellets, earthworms, bloodworms, shrimp, insect larvae, and appropriately sized frozen or live foods
Origin: Widespread across tropical Africa, including the Senegal and Gambia river systems, the Niger basin, Lake Chad region, Nile basin, and parts of the Congo basin
Basic care information: This prehistoric-looking bottom-dweller has an elongated body, armored scales, and small dorsal finlets. Provide a soft sand substrate, caves, driftwood, and open floor space. Maintain clean, well-oxygenated water around 24–28°C with a pH of approximately 6.0–8.0. Senegal Bichirs can breathe atmospheric air, so leave access to the water surface. They may eat any tankmate small enough to swallow. A tightly fitted lid with no escape gaps is essential.