Ornate Bichir, lat. Polypterus ornatipinnis- Polypterus ornatipinnis distribution
Family: Polypteridae;
Genus: Polypterus;
Species and synonyms: Ornate Bichir (Polypterus ornatipinnis, Ornate Bichir, Pracht-Flösselhecht).
GBIF:
Ornate Bichir (lat. Polypterus ornatipinnis) is a species of ray-finned fish from the order Polypteriformes, family Polypteridae, genus Polypterus. One of the most beautiful and popular representatives of ancient fish in the aquarium hobby.
Distribution. The natural range of the Ornate Bichir covers rivers and lakes of Central and West Africa, including the Congo and Zambezi River basins. The fish prefer slow-moving waters with sandy or muddy bottoms, dense vegetation and plenty of hiding places.
Care requirements. The Ornate Bichir is a large fish, growing up to 30–40 cm in the aquarium. To keep a pair or a group, an aquarium of at least 300 liters with a length of 120 cm is recommended. It is important to provide a tightly fitting lid, as fish may jump out of the water. Optimal water parameters: temperature 24–28°C, hardness 5–20 dGH, pH 6.0–7.5. Powerful filtration, good aeration and weekly water changes of 20–25% are necessary. Sandy or fine gravel substrate, large driftwood, stones and shelters are placed at the bottom. Plants should have tough leaves or be potted.
Ornate Bichirs are predatory fish, feeding on small fish, invertebrates and insect larvae in the wild. In the aquarium, their diet should consist of high-quality sinking pellets for predatory fish, live and frozen foods (fish, shrimp, mussels, bloodworms, worms). It is important to provide protein-rich food. Feed should be 1–2 times a day in small portions.
In the aquarium, Ornate Bichirs are active in the lower and middle water layers. They are nocturnal or crepuscular, hiding in shelters during the day. They are peaceful towards fish that do not fit in their mouths, but may eat small fish. Recommended tankmates include large cichlids, catfish, large characins, other bichirs. It is not recommended to keep them with small fish.
Breeding in home aquariums is extremely difficult and rarely occurs in hobby aquariums. Bichirs are egg-laying fish, but spawning requires special conditions and hormonal stimulation. Sexual differences are weakly expressed: females are usually larger and fuller-bodied than males. In the aquarium hobby, breeding is not practiced; most fish come from the wild or specialized farms.
The Ornate Bichir gets its name from its beautiful spotted and marbled coloration, resembling an ornament. The body is elongated, snake-like, covered with tough scales. Coloration varies from grey-green to olive with dark patterns. It is one of the most ancient fish species, retaining many primitive features, including lungs for breathing atmospheric air. Life expectancy is 10–15 years.