Senegal Bichir

Polypterus senegalus

Synonyms Gray bichir · Albino bichir

Senegal Bichir (Polypterus senegalus) is a semi-aggressive freshwater fish that reaches about 50 cm (19.7 in) and swims in open water. It wants 75–82°F (24–28°C) and pH 6.2–7.8, can be kept singly, and needs a tank of at least 540 L (143 gal).

At a glance

Type	Fish
Adult size	50 cm (19.7 in)
Minimum tank	540 L (143 gal)
Group size	Can be kept singly
Temperature	75–82°F (24–28°C)
pH	6.2–7.8
Temperament	Semi-aggressive
Lifespan	10–15 years
Eats shrimp	Yes

Before it goes in

Senegal Bichir needs at least 540 L (143 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 180P.
It eats small fish and shrimp — anything under about 16.7 cm (6.6 in). In this library that means Cherry Shrimp, Rummy Nose Tetra and Crystal Red Shrimp.
It holds at 75–82°F (24–28°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Goldfish and Dojo Loach.
It is semi-aggressive — plan the tank around it rather than adding it to a finished community.
It jumps. An open-top tank needs a lid or a low water line.
One of them takes up roughly 29% of what a 180P will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.

What tank size does it need?

At least 540 L (143 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 180P.

Will it eat shrimp?

Yes. Shrimp are food to it, so pick one or the other.

What water does it want?

75–82°F (24–28°C), pH 6.2–7.8.

How long does it live?

10–15 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.

Good tank mates

Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly, Otocinclus and Ramshorn Snail.
Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.

Often compared with

	Senegal Bichir	Black Ghost Knifefish	Common Pleco
Adult size	50 cm	50 cm	57.8 cm
Min tank	540 L	454 L	400 L
Group	1+	1+	1+
Temperature	75–82°F (24–28°C)	73–82°F (23–28°C)	72–82°F (22–28°C)
Eats shrimp	Yes	Yes	—

More livestock

Plan a tank with Senegal Bichir →

Sources (3) · checked Sep 2026