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

Delhezi Bichir - 12cm (Polypterus delhezi) (Live Fish)

$599.95 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.

Delhezi Bichirs are striking freshwater fish with elongated, olive-gray to brown bodies decorated with irregular dark vertical bands and mottled patterns. Their broad, flattened heads, armored-looking scales, and distinctive row of separate dorsal finlets give them a prehistoric and powerful appearance.

Common names: Delhezi Bichir, Barred Bichir, Armored Bichir, Banded Bichir
Scientific name: Polypterus delhezi
Approximate size: 30–40 cm; may reach around 44 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 spacious tank footprint
Diet: Carnivorous; sinking carnivore pellets, earthworms, shrimp, bloodworms, insect larvae, and other meaty foods
Origin: Middle Congo River basin, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Republic of the Congo, Central Africa
Basic care information: This prehistoric-looking fish has an elongated body, armored scales, and distinctive dark vertical bands across its gray-green body. 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. Delhezi Bichirs can breathe atmospheric air, so keep access to the water surface unobstructed. They may swallow tankmates small enough to fit in their mouths. A tightly fitted lid with no escape gaps is essential.