lbino Senegalus Bichir – A Stunning and Hardy Freshwater Predator
Scientific Name: Polypterus senegalus
Common Name: Albino Senegalus Bichir, Albino Senegal Bichir
Size: Up to 12-14 inches (30-35 cm)
Tank Size: 30 gallons minimum
Temperature: 75°F - 82°F (24°C - 28°C)
pH: 6.5 - 7.5 (neutral to slightly acidic)
Hardness: 5-15 dGH (moderately soft to hard)
Diet: Carnivore (feeds on live and frozen foods)
Overview:
The Albino Senegalus Bichir is a strikingly beautiful and hardy fish, recognized for its unique appearance and predatory nature. A variant of the popular Senegalus Bichir (Polypterus senegalus), the albino form showcases a pale, almost translucent body with a unique orange or pinkish hue, making it a visually appealing addition to any freshwater aquarium. Known for its ancient lineage and fascinating behavior, this bichir is an excellent choice for aquarists looking to add a distinctive predator to their tank.
Key Features:
- Eye-Catching Appearance: The Albino Senegalus Bichir is known for its striking albino coloration, which features a light pinkish or orange body with darker fins. Its long, torpedo-shaped body and scaly armor add to its ancient, prehistoric charm.
- Hardy and Low-Maintenance: The Albino Senegalus Bichir is a tough fish that adapts well to various water conditions, making it perfect for both beginner and intermediate aquarists.
- Predatory Nature: As a carnivore, the Albino Senegalus Bichir is a fascinating predator that enjoys hunting live or frozen foods, making it an exciting fish to observe.
- Ancient Species: Known as “living fossils,” bichirs are one of the most primitive fish species still in existence. Their lung-like swim bladder allows them to gulp air at the water's surface, and they are capable of short bursts of land travel, adding to their unique behavior.
Care Tips:
- Tank Setup: The Albino Senegalus Bichir is an active predator that requires a minimum of 30 gallons of water to accommodate its size and swimming habits. Provide smooth substrate (sand or fine gravel) and plenty of hiding spaces, such as caves or PVC pipes, where the fish can feel secure.
- Water Conditions: This bichir is adaptable to a wide range of water conditions but thrives in slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.5 to 7.5). Maintain a water temperature between 75°F and 82°F (24°C to 28°C). Moderate water hardness (5-15 dGH) is ideal.
- Diet: The Albino Senegalus Bichir is a carnivore and will enjoy a diet of live or frozen foods such as worms, small fish, shrimp, and bloodworms. It can also be fed high-quality pellets designed for carnivorous fish.
- Water Quality: Like all bichirs, the Albino Senegalus Bichir is sensitive to poor water quality. Perform regular 20-30% water changes each week to maintain optimal water parameters and prevent ammonia and nitrite buildup.
Tank Mates:
- Other Large Fish: Suitable for tanks with larger, peaceful fish such as Cichlids, Rainbowfish, and Tetras.
- Bottom Dwellers: Corydoras and Plecos can share the tank without issue.
- Livebearers: Guppies and Platies are generally too small and may be seen as prey, so they should be avoided.
Avoid keeping with aggressive or fast-swimming fish, as the Bichir is slow-moving and may get outcompeted for food.
Why Choose Albino Senegalus Bichir:
- Fascinating Appearance: Its unique albino coloration makes it a stand-out feature in any aquarium.
- Ancient and Intriguing Behavior: Watch this “living fossil” use its primitive hunting skills and gulp air at the surface, giving your tank a touch of prehistoric flair.
- Hardy and Adaptable: A robust fish that thrives in various conditions, making it a great choice for experienced hobbyists and those looking for an exciting new species.
- Peaceful Predatory Nature: Despite being a predator, the Albino Senegalus Bichir is generally peaceful with compatible tank mates.
Add the Albino Senegalus Bichir to your aquarium today and bring a piece of ancient history to your fish tank with this stunning and fascinating freshwater predator!
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Albino bichir
Very lively and healthy
