Saddled Bichir

The saddled bichir is recognized by the dark saddle markings that slant down from its back to its flanks, its broad head and its lower jaw protruding beyond the upper jaw. It is one of the largest and thickest-bodied bichir species; in the aquarium it can exceed 60 cm.

Like other bichirs it breathes air from the surface and hunts at night. It grows slowly and lives long; when buying a juvenile, take into account its adult size and a care commitment that can exceed ten years.

It lives in the large rivers of West and Central Africa, along shallow, vegetated banks and in floodplains. During the day it lies motionless among plants and roots; after dark it roams along the banks, feeding on fish, frogs and large crustaceans. When oxygen in the water drops, it survives these conditions by gulping air from the surface.

Its eyesight is poor, but its sense of smell is highly developed. The tubular nostrils at the tip of its snout constantly sample the water, which lets it find food even in the dark.

• Volume: at least 800 liters for an adult; a 200 × 70 cm footprint is recommended.
• Lid: a tight, heavy lid; it is prone to escaping.
• Decor: sand substrate, large roots and pipes; plenty of open floor space.
• Filter: strong filtration, 30% water change weekly; large food items foul the water quickly.

Carnivorous. Fish fillet, shrimp, mussels, worms and large sinking pellets. Adults are fed every two to three days. Individuals accustomed to live feeder fish may eventually refuse frozen food; it is best to accustom them to a variety of frozen foods while young.

Calm and slow-moving, but its mouth is very wide and it can swallow fish nearly half its own length.

Good companions: large, calm species: arowanas, clown knifefish, tigerfish, large cichlids and large catfish.

Avoid: any fish that could fit in its mouth, shrimp.

Usually kept alone; in a very large aquarium it can live with other bichirs of similar size.

Breeding in a home aquarium is very rare; most of those sold in the trade are bred on farms in Asia.

• Escape: getting out through gaps in the lid and drying out.
• Obesity and fatty buildup: in overfed fish.
• Skin wounds: from sharp decor and hard substrate.
• Blocked air breathing: if the water level touches the lid it cannot take air from the surface; leave an air gap.

Males have a thicker, broader anal fin.