Our Guide To Keeping Albino Senegal Bichir Fish

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Polypterus senegalus
   • Common name: Albino Senegal Bichir
   • Family: Polypteridae
   • Origin: West and Central Africa, including the Nile River and Senegal River basins
   • Adult length: Can grow up to 35 cm (14 inches)
   • Lifespan: Typically 10 to 15 years, but can live longer with proper care

2. Tank Setup:

   • Albino Senegal Bichirs require a spacious tank with plenty of floor space for exploring. A minimum tank size of 75 gallons is recommended for an adult specimen.
   • Provide hiding spots using caves, PVC pipes, or large rocks, as they are nocturnal and like to hide during the day.

3. Water Parameters:

   • Albino Senegal Bichirs prefer slightly acidic to neutral water conditions with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5.
   • Maintain a water temperature between 24 to 28°C (75 to 82°F).

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • A good filtration system is essential to maintain water quality, as Albino Senegal Bichirs are messy eaters and produce a lot of waste.
   • Ensure the filter provides gentle to moderate flow, as strong currents may stress them.

5. Diet:

   • Albino Senegal Bichirs are carnivorous and prefer meaty foods. Offer them a varied diet including live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, blackworms, earthworms, and shrimp.
   • They may also accept high-quality sinking pellets or carnivore-specific commercial foods.

6. Tank mates:

   • Albino Senegal Bichirs are generally solitary and may become aggressive towards conspecifics or other bottom-dwelling fish.
   • Compatible tank mates include larger, peaceful species that inhabit different areas of the tank, such as large characins, catfish, or cichlids from similar regions.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Albino Senegal Bichirs are nocturnal and prefer to hide during the day, so provide plenty of hiding spots in the aquarium.
   • They have poor eyesight but a keen sense of smell, relying on their sensitive barbels to locate food.