Cross River Bichir
Cross River Bichir
Cross River Bichir (Polypterus teugelsi) is a larger bichir from the Cross River drainage in West Africa with complex dark-on-pale reticulated patterning. Named for ichthyologist Jos Teugels. Bichirs are ancient, armored fish whose lineage stretches back over 400 million years — among the most primitive ray-finned fishes alive today. Their multiple dorsal finlets, thick ganoid scales, and air-breathing ability are all primitive features retained from their Devonian ancestors.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Sinking Wafers and Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms make excellent staples — feed after lights dim when bichirs are most active. Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Brine Shrimp and fresh shrimp are good supplemental meaty foods. Bichirs locate food by smell — target-feeding with tongs ensures they find food.
Bichirs are air-breathers — they regularly visit the surface to gulp atmospheric air from a modified swim bladder that functions as a primitive lung. Always ensure unobstructed surface access and a tight-fitting, weighted lid — bichirs are powerful and will push open loose lids. Sandy or smooth substrate suits their benthic lifestyle. Low lighting and hiding spots from caves and PVC tubes encourage natural behavior.
Keep singly or with large, robust fish too big to eat. Bichirs are surprisingly peaceful toward fish that cannot fit in their mouths, but will eat anything that can. Good tankmates include large cichlids, large catfish, large barbs, and other bichirs of similar size.
Bichirs are among the most remarkable fish available — living fossils that carry the genetic and physical legacy of the Devonian era. Hardy once established, they can live 15–20 years and become surprisingly personable over time.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Temperament | Peaceful with large fish — predatory toward small fish |
| Typical Adult Size | 20 inches (50 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | Singly or with large fish |
| Ideal Temp | 75–84°F (24–29°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.5–8.0 |
| Ideal GH | 5–20 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 2–12 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Sinking Wafers; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Brine Shrimp; fresh shrimp |
| Origin | Sub-Saharan Africa (rivers and floodplains) |
| Notes | Named for ichthyologist Jos Teugels. Cross River drainage, West Africa. Complex reticulated patterning. Large — 20 inches. Air-breather. |
