Product Details

Senegal Bichir Leucistic – Polypterus senegalus

The Senegal Bichir Leucistic is a striking pale form of the Senegal Bichir, with a creamy white to pinkish body, prehistoric shape and fascinating bottom-roaming behaviour. Correctly listed as Polypterus senegalus, this ancient African fish is hardy and full of character, but it is still a predatory species that needs a large, secure aquarium and carefully chosen tank mates. It is best suited to aquarists who want an unusual large fish rather than a standard community aquarium species.

Key Identification:

Common Name: Senegal Bichir Leucistic
Other Names: Leucistic Senegal Bichir, Platinum Senegal Bichir, Dinosaur Bichir, Dinosaur Eel, Senegal Bichir
Scientific Name: Polypterus senegalus
Fish Type: Bichir / Polypterid
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

Polypterus senegalus is native to Africa, where it occurs across a wide range of river, floodplain, swamp and lake systems. Wild Senegal Bichirs are associated with slow-moving or sheltered waters, often using bottom cover, vegetation, muddy areas and submerged structure while hunting.

The leucistic form is a captive-bred colour form rather than a wild locality type. In the aquarium, it should be kept in a mature setup with soft substrate, shaded hiding areas, wood, smooth stones, strong filtration and open floor space for movement.

Appearance & Adult Size:

Leucistic Senegal Bichirs have a long, cylindrical body, flattened head, external nostril tubes, paddle-like pectoral fins and a row of separate dorsal finlets along the back. The leucistic form is pale cream, white, ivory or pinkish, often with dark eyes and a clean platinum-like appearance.

Adults commonly reach around 25–35 cm in aquariums, although larger sizes are possible and wild size records are higher. Their long body and turning space matter more than height, so they need a broad aquarium footprint.

Aquarium Suitability:

This species is best suited to large mature aquariums, oddball displays and peaceful predator communities. It is hardy once settled, but it should not be treated as a small community fish. It will eat fish, shrimp or invertebrates small enough to fit in its mouth.

Senegal Bichirs are not suitable for nano aquariums, small community tanks, shrimp tanks, open-top aquariums, sharp gravel setups or tanks with aggressive fish that may bite their fins or harass them while resting.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 250–300 litres for one adult, with a tank length of at least 120 cm and good front-to-back depth recommended. Larger aquariums are preferred for multiple bichirs or mixed predator communities.

Floor space is more important than height. The fish must be able to turn easily, rest comfortably and move around without rubbing against décor.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 6.0–8.0
Hardness: Soft to hard
Additional Notes: Senegal Bichirs are adaptable, but stable water quality is essential. Maintain strong filtration, regular partial water changes and good oxygenation. They breathe atmospheric air, so they must always have access to the surface.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Predator

Senegal Bichirs are generally calm predators. They are not usually aggressive towards fish too large to swallow, but they will eat small tank mates, especially at night. Suitable companions include robust peaceful fish of similar size, larger rainbowfish, larger characins, medium to large catfish with care, larger peaceful cichlids and other compatible bichirs in sufficiently large aquariums.

Avoid small tetras, guppies, rasboras, shrimp, small Cory-type catfish, aggressive cichlids, fin-nippers and very competitive feeders. Do not keep them with fish that may bite their external gills when young, pick at their fins or prevent them from feeding.

Feeding:

Senegal Bichirs are carnivorous predators. Offer a varied meaty diet including sinking carnivore pellets, earthworms, prawns, mussel, white fish, bloodworm, brineshrimp, mysis and chopped seafood. Many captive-bred fish will accept prepared sinking foods once settled.

Avoid feeder fish, as they can introduce parasites, disease and poor nutrition. Feed after lights dim if the fish is shy, and make sure food reaches the bottom before faster tank mates take everything.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

This species spends much of its time cruising close to the substrate, resting under cover or exploring the aquarium at dusk and during the night. Senegal Bichirs often become more confident with routine and may learn to recognise feeding times.

They are air-breathing fish and will regularly rise to the surface for air, which is normal behaviour. A clear path to the surface is essential at all times.

Care Notes:

Use a tight-fitting lid with all gaps covered. Senegal Bichirs are strong escape artists and can leave the aquarium through surprisingly small openings. Leave a humid air gap above the water so the fish can breathe safely at the surface.

Use soft sand or smooth substrate to protect the belly and body. Avoid sharp rocks, abrasive gravel and unstable décor. Because leucistic fish are pale, they can show marks or injuries more clearly, so smooth décor and calm tank mates are especially important.

Recommended For:

Intermediate to experienced

Availability:

Common to occasional / Captive-bred colour form

Image Disclaimer:

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, body tone, leucistic colour, eye colour, fin shape, age and markings can occur between individual fish.