{"product_id":"gold-dust-bichir-polypterus-palmas-buettikoferi-senegal-river","title":"Gold Dust Bichir - Polypterus palmas \"buettikoferi\" (Senegal River)","description":"\u003ch1 data-start=\"557\" data-end=\"597\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003eGold Dust Bichir – \u003cem data-start=\"578\" data-end=\"597\"\u003ePolypterus palmas\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"612\" data-end=\"1215\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"616\" data-end=\"636\"\u003eGold Dust Bichir\u003c\/strong\u003e is a prehistoric-looking freshwater predator with a long armoured body, small finlets along the back and attractive golden-brown speckling that gives the fish its popular trade name. Often sold as \u003cstrong data-start=\"834\" data-end=\"857\"\u003ePalmas Buettikoferi\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong data-start=\"859\" data-end=\"886\"\u003eGold Dust Palmas Bichir\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong data-start=\"890\" data-end=\"914\"\u003eBuettikofer’s Bichir\u003c\/strong\u003e, this is a fascinating bottom-dwelling species for aquarists who want something unusual, hardy and full of ancient character. It is not a small community fish, but in a spacious aquarium with carefully chosen tank mates, \u003cem data-start=\"1136\" data-end=\"1155\"\u003ePolypterus palmas\u003c\/em\u003e can make an impressive and long-lived centrepiece predator.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"1217\" data-end=\"1239\"\u003eKey Identification:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1240\" data-end=\"1556\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1240\" data-end=\"1256\"\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gold Dust Bichir\u003cbr data-start=\"1273\" data-end=\"1276\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1276\" data-end=\"1292\"\u003eOther Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gold Dust Palmas Bichir, Palmas Bichir, Buettikofer’s Bichir, Shortfin Bichir, \u003cem data-start=\"1372\" data-end=\"1404\"\u003ePolypterus palmas buettikoferi\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem data-start=\"1406\" data-end=\"1431\"\u003ePolypterus buettikoferi\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1431\" data-end=\"1434\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1434\" data-end=\"1454\"\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"1455\" data-end=\"1474\"\u003ePolypterus palmas\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1474\" data-end=\"1477\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1477\" data-end=\"1491\"\u003eFish Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bichir \/ Primitive Predatory Fish\u003cbr data-start=\"1525\" data-end=\"1528\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1528\" data-end=\"1543\"\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshwater\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"1558\" data-end=\"1585\"\u003eNatural Range \u0026amp; Habitat:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1586\" data-end=\"2155\"\u003eThe Gold Dust Bichir is associated with West African freshwater habitats. The \u003cem data-start=\"1664\" data-end=\"1683\"\u003ePolypterus palmas\u003c\/em\u003e complex occurs in coastal river systems around the Gulf of Guinea, with the buettikoferi form\/trade locality historically linked to rivers from Senegal through to western Liberia. In the wild, bichirs inhabit slow-moving rivers, swamps, floodplain waters and vegetated margins where they can hunt among roots, submerged cover and soft substrates. They are adapted for air-breathing, so they may rise to the surface to gulp air even when aquarium water is well oxygenated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"2157\" data-end=\"2184\"\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Adult Size:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2185\" data-end=\"2666\"\u003eGold Dust Bichirs have an elongated, snake-like body covered in tough ganoid scales, a blunt head, small eyes and multiple individual dorsal finlets running along the back. Their colour is usually olive, tan or golden brown with darker mottling and fine gold dust-like spotting, although pattern and intensity vary between individuals. Adults can reach around \u003cstrong data-start=\"2545\" data-end=\"2557\"\u003e30–35 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e, so they need to be planned for as a large, heavy-bodied aquarium predator rather than a small oddball fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"2668\" data-end=\"2692\"\u003eAquarium Suitability:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2693\" data-end=\"3138\"\u003eThis species is best suited to a large, mature aquarium with a generous footprint, secure cover and calm but robust tank mates. It is a bottom-orientated predator, so floor space matters more than tank height. Use smooth décor, bogwood, caves and shaded areas, leaving open space along the substrate for movement. It can be kept in planted aquariums, but plants should be sturdy or well-rooted, as bichirs may push through décor while exploring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"3140\" data-end=\"3169\"\u003eRecommended Aquarium Size:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3170\" data-end=\"3402\"\u003eA practical minimum is \u003cstrong data-start=\"3193\" data-end=\"3226\"\u003e300 litres for a single adult\u003c\/strong\u003e, with a tank footprint of at least \u003cstrong data-start=\"3262\" data-end=\"3280\"\u003e120 cm x 45 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e strongly recommended. Larger aquariums are preferable for long-term care, multiple bichirs or mixed predator communities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"3404\" data-end=\"3424\"\u003eWater Conditions:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3425\" data-end=\"3768\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3425\" data-end=\"3441\"\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24–28°C\u003cbr data-start=\"3449\" data-end=\"3452\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3452\" data-end=\"3459\"\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.5–7.5\u003cbr data-start=\"3467\" data-end=\"3470\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3470\" data-end=\"3483\"\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft to moderately hard\u003cbr data-start=\"3507\" data-end=\"3510\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3510\" data-end=\"3531\"\u003eAdditional Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide stable water quality, strong filtration and regular water changes. Bichirs breathe air, so they must always be able to reach the surface. Leave a small air gap above the waterline and use a tight, secure lid with no escape gaps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"3770\" data-end=\"3798\"\u003eTemperament \u0026amp; Tank Mates:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3799\" data-end=\"3832\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3799\" data-end=\"3821\"\u003eAquarium Category:\u003c\/strong\u003e Predator\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3834\" data-end=\"4230\"\u003eGold Dust Bichirs are not usually aggressive in the way many cichlids are, but they are predatory and will eat fish small enough to fit in their mouth. Suitable tank mates include peaceful to moderately robust fish that are too large to swallow, such as larger characins, medium to large barbs, larger rainbowfish, Congo Tetras, peaceful cichlids, larger Synodontis and some suitably sized plecs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4232\" data-end=\"4543\"\u003eAvoid small tetras, guppies, small rasboras, dwarf Corydoras, shrimp and any narrow-bodied fish that may be taken at night. Very aggressive cichlids or fin-damaging tank mates should also be avoided. Bichirs may be kept singly, or with other bichirs if the tank is large enough and all fish are of similar size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"4545\" data-end=\"4556\"\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4557\" data-end=\"5027\"\u003eGold Dust Bichirs are carnivorous predators. Offer a varied meaty diet including sinking carnivore pellets, chopped prawn, mussel, white fish, earthworms, bloodworm, krill and other suitable frozen foods. Some individuals may need patience when converting to prepared foods, especially if recently imported. Avoid feeder fish, as they can introduce disease and offer poor nutritional control. Feed in the evening or after lights dim if faster tank mates outcompete them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"5029\" data-end=\"5058\"\u003eBehaviour in the Aquarium:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5059\" data-end=\"5452\"\u003eThis is a mostly bottom-dwelling fish that cruises slowly over the substrate, rests under cover and becomes more active in low light. It may appear inactive during the day, then emerge at feeding time or after dark. Gold Dust Bichirs commonly rise to the surface to gulp air, which is normal behaviour. They are powerful escape artists, especially at night, so a well-fitting lid is essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"5454\" data-end=\"5468\"\u003eCare Notes:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5469\" data-end=\"5945\"\u003eThis is a large predatory oddball fish, not a general community species. Keep only with tank mates too large to be swallowed. Use a soft sand or smooth fine gravel substrate to prevent abrasions. Ensure the aquarium is fully cycled and mature before purchase, as bichirs dislike poor water quality. Cover all gaps around pipes, cables and filter outlets because bichirs can push through surprisingly small openings. Avoid sharp décor that could damage their underside or fins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"5947\" data-end=\"5966\"\u003eRecommended For:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5967\" data-end=\"5979\"\u003eIntermediate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"5981\" data-end=\"5997\"\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5998\" data-end=\"6051\"\u003eOccasional \/ Usually wild-caught or specialist import\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"6053\" data-end=\"6073\"\u003eImage Disclaimer:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6074\" data-end=\"6269\"\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, colour, pattern and markings can occur between individual fish.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Warehouse Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":43652626284618,"sku":"AG-102577","price":29.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":43652626317386,"sku":"AG-102578","price":34.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Large","offer_id":43652626350154,"sku":"AG-102579","price":39.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large","offer_id":43652626382922,"sku":"AG-102580","price":44.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0623\/1877\/2298\/files\/GoldDustBichir-PalmasBuettikoferi.jpg?v=1780406155","url":"https:\/\/warehouse-aquatics.co.uk\/products\/gold-dust-bichir-polypterus-palmas-buettikoferi-senegal-river","provider":"Warehouse Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}