{"product_id":"senegal-bichir-leucistic-polypterus-senegalus","title":"Senegal Bichir Leucistic - Polypterus senegalus","description":"\u003ch1 data-section-id=\"ewqr70\" data-start=\"312\" data-end=\"363\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003eSenegal Bichir Leucistic – \u003cem data-start=\"341\" data-end=\"363\"\u003ePolypterus senegalus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"77mjg\" data-start=\"365\" data-end=\"377\"\u003eOverview:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"378\" data-end=\"853\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"382\" data-end=\"410\"\u003eLeucistic Senegal Bichir\u003c\/strong\u003e is a pale, ghostly form of one of the most popular bichirs in the aquarium hobby. With its long armoured body, small dorsal finlets and primitive “dinosaur fish” appearance, \u003cstrong data-start=\"585\" data-end=\"609\"\u003ePolypterus senegalus\u003c\/strong\u003e makes a fascinating choice for aquarists wanting a hardy but unusual freshwater predator. This is not a small community fish, but in a spacious, secure aquarium with suitable tank mates, it can become a bold and long-lived centrepiece oddball.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"18rclky\" data-start=\"855\" data-end=\"877\"\u003eKey Identification:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"878\" data-end=\"1201\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"878\" data-end=\"894\"\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Senegal Bichir Leucistic\u003cbr data-start=\"919\" data-end=\"922\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"922\" data-end=\"938\"\u003eOther Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Leucistic Senegal Bichir, Platinum Senegal Bichir, White Senegal Bichir, Senegal Bichir, Dinosaur Bichir, Cuvier’s Bichir, Grey Bichir\u003cbr data-start=\"1073\" data-end=\"1076\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1076\" data-end=\"1096\"\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"1097\" data-end=\"1119\"\u003ePolypterus senegalus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1119\" data-end=\"1122\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1122\" data-end=\"1136\"\u003eFish Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bichir \/ Primitive Predatory Fish\u003cbr data-start=\"1170\" data-end=\"1173\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1173\" data-end=\"1188\"\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshwater\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"13oemwk\" data-start=\"1203\" data-end=\"1230\"\u003eNatural Range \u0026amp; Habitat:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1231\" data-end=\"1735\"\u003eThe leucistic form is a \u003cstrong data-start=\"1255\" data-end=\"1285\"\u003ecaptive-bred colour strain\u003c\/strong\u003e, but the wild Senegal Bichir has a broad African distribution. FishBase lists \u003cem data-start=\"1364\" data-end=\"1386\"\u003ePolypterus senegalus\u003c\/em\u003e from West and parts of Central\/North-East Africa, including Senegal, Gambia, Niger, Chad, Sudan and the Nile region, among others. It is a freshwater, bottom-associated species found in slow rivers, floodplains, swamps and vegetated margins, where it hunts among cover and can gulp atmospheric air when needed. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1k4fj4a\" data-start=\"1737\" data-end=\"1764\"\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Adult Size:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1765\" data-end=\"2400\"\u003eLeucistic Senegal Bichirs have a pale cream to white body, dark eyes and a smooth, almost porcelain look compared with the grey-brown wild form. The body is long and cylindrical with tough ganoid scales, paddle-like pectoral fins and a row of separate dorsal finlets along the back. Aquarium adults are commonly around \u003cstrong data-start=\"2084\" data-end=\"2096\"\u003e30–40 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e, though larger sizes are reported in references, so they should be planned for as a substantial predatory fish rather than a small oddball. Fishkeeper lists a maximum size of around \u003cstrong data-start=\"2279\" data-end=\"2288\"\u003e40 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e, while Seriously Fish gives up to \u003cstrong data-start=\"2323\" data-end=\"2332\"\u003e50 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e for \u003cem data-start=\"2337\" data-end=\"2361\"\u003eP. senegalus senegalus\u003c\/em\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"zee6g1\" data-start=\"2402\" data-end=\"2426\"\u003eAquarium Suitability:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2427\" data-end=\"2869\"\u003eThis species is best suited to a large, mature aquarium with a good footprint, subdued areas and secure hiding places. Floor space is more important than height, as Senegal Bichirs spend much of their time cruising along the bottom. Smooth wood, caves, pipes, robust plants and open sandy areas all work well. A tight-fitting lid is essential, as bichirs are powerful escape artists and can leave the aquarium through surprisingly small gaps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1jzuw08\" data-start=\"2871\" data-end=\"2900\"\u003eRecommended Aquarium Size:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2901\" data-end=\"3224\"\u003eA practical minimum is \u003cstrong data-start=\"2924\" data-end=\"2957\"\u003e250 litres for a single adult\u003c\/strong\u003e, with a tank footprint of at least \u003cstrong data-start=\"2993\" data-end=\"3011\"\u003e120 cm x 45 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e strongly recommended. Larger aquariums are better for multiple bichirs or mixed predator communities. Although young fish are often sold small, they grow into muscular, active predators that need long-term space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"pl4gsq\" data-start=\"3226\" data-end=\"3246\"\u003eWater Conditions:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3247\" data-end=\"3757\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3247\" data-end=\"3263\"\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24–28°C\u003cbr data-start=\"3271\" data-end=\"3274\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3274\" data-end=\"3281\"\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.0–8.0\u003cbr data-start=\"3289\" data-end=\"3292\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3292\" data-end=\"3305\"\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft to moderately hard; adaptable if stable\u003cbr data-start=\"3350\" data-end=\"3353\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3353\" data-end=\"3374\"\u003eAdditional Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide stable tropical conditions, efficient filtration and regular water changes. FishBase gives a pH range of \u003cstrong data-start=\"3488\" data-end=\"3499\"\u003e6.0–8.0\u003c\/strong\u003e, hardness \u003cstrong data-start=\"3510\" data-end=\"3521\"\u003e5–19 dH\u003c\/strong\u003e and temperature around \u003cstrong data-start=\"3545\" data-end=\"3556\"\u003e25–28°C\u003c\/strong\u003e, while UK care guidance gives a similar \u003cstrong data-start=\"3597\" data-end=\"3608\"\u003e24–28°C\u003c\/strong\u003e range. Always leave access to the water surface because bichirs breathe air as part of their normal behaviour. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"3rlnm7\" data-start=\"3759\" data-end=\"3787\"\u003eTemperament \u0026amp; Tank Mates:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3788\" data-end=\"3821\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3788\" data-end=\"3810\"\u003eAquarium Category:\u003c\/strong\u003e Predator\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3823\" data-end=\"4220\"\u003eLeucistic Senegal Bichirs are usually not aggressive in a territorial sense, but they are predatory and will eat fish small enough to swallow. Suitable tank mates include peaceful to moderately robust fish that are too deep-bodied or large to be viewed as prey, such as larger rainbowfish, Congo Tetras, medium to large barbs, larger peaceful cichlids, Synodontis catfish and suitably sized plecs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4222\" data-end=\"4539\"\u003eAvoid small tetras, guppies, small rasboras, dwarf Cory-type catfish, shrimp, fry and any narrow-bodied fish that may be taken at night. Very aggressive cichlids or fin-damaging species should also be avoided. Senegal Bichirs can be kept singly, or with other similar-sized bichirs where the aquarium is large enough.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1ah6yd9\" data-start=\"4541\" data-end=\"4552\"\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4553\" data-end=\"4975\"\u003eSenegal Bichirs are carnivorous predators. Offer a varied meaty diet including quality sinking carnivore pellets, chopped prawn, mussel, white fish, earthworms, krill, bloodworm and other suitable frozen foods. Many captive-bred leucistic specimens take prepared foods readily, but some may need patience while settling. Avoid routine use of feeder fish, as they can introduce disease and provide poor nutritional control.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"2vr35r\" data-start=\"4977\" data-end=\"5006\"\u003eBehaviour in the Aquarium:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5007\" data-end=\"5468\"\u003eThis is a bottom-orientated fish that often rests under cover by day and becomes more active in the evening. It moves with a distinctive walking or gliding motion using its pectoral fins and will regularly rise to the surface to gulp air. This is normal and should not be mistaken for distress unless accompanied by poor water quality or unusual behaviour. At night it may investigate sleeping tank mates, which is why size-appropriate companions are essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"gyou4p\" data-start=\"5470\" data-end=\"5484\"\u003eCare Notes:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5485\" data-end=\"5967\"\u003eA secure lid is non-negotiable. Cover gaps around filter pipes, heaters, cables and condensation trays. Use sand or smooth fine gravel to avoid abrasions to the underside. Keep only with tank mates too large to swallow, and remember that a small juvenile bichir can grow into a much larger predator. Add only to a fully cycled aquarium, maintain good water quality and avoid sharp décor. This is a hardy species when kept correctly, but it is not suitable for small community tanks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"iot6fl\" data-start=\"5969\" data-end=\"5988\"\u003eRecommended For:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5989\" data-end=\"6001\"\u003eIntermediate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1c7763y\" data-start=\"6003\" data-end=\"6019\"\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6020\" data-end=\"6057\"\u003eOccasional \/ Captive-bred colour form\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1x39ni3\" data-start=\"6059\" data-end=\"6079\"\u003eImage Disclaimer:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6080\" data-end=\"6275\"\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":43666593513546,"sku":"AG-102605","price":29.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":43666593546314,"sku":"AG-102606","price":34.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":43666593579082,"sku":"AG-102607","price":39.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large","offer_id":43666593611850,"sku":"AG-102608","price":44.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0623\/1877\/2298\/files\/SenegalBichirLeucistic-Polypterussenegalus.jpg?v=1780561124","url":"https:\/\/warehouse-aquatics.co.uk\/products\/senegal-bichir-leucistic-polypterus-senegalus","provider":"Warehouse Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}