Endlicher’s Bichir (Polypterus endlicheri) – A Complete Care Guide for Monster Fish Enthusiasts

Characteristics

The Endlicher’s Bichir (Polypterus endlicheri), also known as the Saddled Bichir, is a prehistoric-looking, bottom-dwelling predator from the Polypteridae family. This large, carnivorous fish is popular among monster fish keepers due to its armored body, unique eel-like movement, and predatory nature.

• Scientific Name: Polypterus endlicheri
• Common Names: Endlicher’s Bichir, Saddled Bichir
• Origin: West and Central Africa (Niger, Chad, and Congo River Basins)
• Behavior: Predatory, nocturnal, and semi-aggressive
• Tank Preferences: Requires a large, well-filtered aquarium with hiding spots.
• Water Parameters:
  • pH: 6.5 – 7.8
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
  • Temperature: 24°C – 30°C (75°F – 86°F)
• Care Difficulty: Advanced, due to their large size, predatory nature, and specific tank requirements.

Origin and Distribution

Endlicher’s Bichirs are native to slow-moving rivers, floodplains, and marshes across West and Central Africa. They are adapted to low-oxygen environments, thanks to their primitive lungs, allowing them to gulp air at the surface.

Size and Growth Rate

• Juveniles start at 3-6 inches (7-15 cm) and grow rapidly.
• Adults can reach 24-30 inches (60-75 cm) or more in large tanks.
• Growth rate: Fast in the first year, slowing down as they mature.

Colors and Markings

Endlicher’s Bichir has a yellowish to brown body with distinct dark saddle-like markings along its back, giving it a prehistoric, armored appearance.

• Wide head with powerful jaws, ideal for ambushing prey.
• Ganoid scales, providing tough, bony protection.
• Multiple dorsal finlets, a signature feature of bichirs.

Tankmates and Compatibility

Endlicher’s Bichirs are predators, meaning they should only be housed with large, robust tankmates. Ideal companions include:

• Other large bichirs (Ornate Bichir, Senegal Bichir)
• Arowanas
• Large Catfish (Plecos, Pictus Catfish, Synodontis)
• Giant Gouramis
• Datnoids and Large Cichlids (Oscars, Peacock Bass, Flowerhorns)

Avoid keeping them with:

• Small fish (Tetras, Guppies, or small Cichlids) – They will be eaten.
• Overly aggressive species that might bully them (Jaguar Cichlids, Wolf Fish).

Tank Requirements and Care

Endlicher’s Bichirs require a large, heavily filtered aquarium with plenty of space to roam.

• Minimum tank size: 150 gallons for a single adult; larger for multiple bichirs.
• Soft sand or fine gravel substrate to prevent injury.
• Hiding spots using driftwood, caves, and plants.
• Dim lighting, as they are nocturnal hunters.
• Strong filtration (canister filters recommended), as they produce a lot of waste.
• A secure lid, since bichirs are escape artists and will jump out if given the chance.

Water Changes and Maintenance

• 30-40% water changes weekly to maintain water quality.
• Monitor ammonia and nitrites, as bichirs are sensitive to poor water conditions.

Diet and Feeding

Endlicher’s Bichirs are carnivores and require a protein-rich diet to thrive. Offer:

• Live or frozen fish (tilapia, shrimp, feeder fish – avoid goldfish)
• Worms (earthworms, bloodworms, blackworms)
• Crustaceans (prawns, crayfish, krill)
• Pellets and carnivore sticks (Hikari Massivore Delite, Northfin Carnivore)
• Occasional treats (frog legs, squid, mussels)

Feed them once or twice a day, ensuring they eat all food within a few minutes.

Gender Differences

• Males: Have a thicker and more muscular anal fin.
• Females: Slightly larger with a rounder belly.

Breeding Endlicher’s Bichir

Breeding in captivity is rare and difficult due to their large size and specific spawning behavior. However, successful breeding requires:

• A separate breeding tank (200+ gallons) with dim lighting.
• Warm, soft water conditions (pH 6.5 – 7.0, temp 28°C – 30°C).
• High-protein diet to condition breeding pairs.
• Egg-scattering behavior over fine plants or spawning mats.
• Fry care with infusoria and small live foods like baby brine shrimp.

Common Health Issues

Although hardy, Endlicher’s Bichirs can suffer from:

• Bacterial infections and fin rot – Caused by poor water quality.
• Parasites (Ich, internal worms) – Prevent by quarantining new tankmates.
• Bloating and digestion issues – Avoid overfeeding or feeding fatty feeder fish.

How to Prevent Health Issues:

✅ Maintain clean, stable water conditions.
✅ Offer a diverse, high-protein diet.
✅ Quarantine new fish before adding them to the main tank.

Additional Resources

For more information on bichir care and monster fish keeping, check out:

• A Guide to Polypterus by Devon Graham
• Aquarium forums like MonsterFishKeepers and The Polypterus Fanatics Group
• YouTube channels such as Predatory Fins and Aquarium Co-Op

Final Thoughts

The Endlicher’s Bichir is a powerful, prehistoric, and rewarding fish for experienced aquarists. Its large size, unique movement, and predator-like behavior make it a fascinating addition to a well-maintained monster fish aquarium. With proper care, Endlicher’s Bichirs can live 15-20 years.