The Green Senegal Bichir (Polypterus senegalus senegalus), sometimes called the Albino Green Senegal Bichir when displaying a lighter coloration, is a variant of the common Senegal Bichir. It is a hardy, prehistoric-looking fish popular among aquarists.
Key Information:
• Maximum Size: Typically grows up to 12-14 inches (30-35 cm) in captivity, though some wild specimens may grow slightly larger.
• Native Habitat: Found across West and Central Africa, including the Nile River, Chad Basin, Senegal River, and other freshwater systems. It prefers slow-moving, murky waters with plenty of hiding spots.
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast; they grow quickly when young but slow down after reaching about 8-10 inches.
• Lifespan: 10-15 years, but with excellent care, they can live over 20 years.
• Diet: Carnivorous, though sometimes considered opportunistic omnivores. They primarily eat fish, crustaceans, insects, and worms in the wild. In captivity, they accept live and frozen foods, high-protein pellets, and occasionally sinking carnivore wafers.
• Breeding Season: Breeding is rare in home aquariums but occurs during the rainy season in the wild. Males fertilize eggs that the female scatters among plants or substrate.
• Best Tank Mates: Green Senegal Bichirs are more peaceful than larger bichir species, making them good candidates for community predator tanks. Suitable tank mates include:
• Other bichirs (of similar size)
• Ropefish
• Medium to large cichlids (such as Severums or Firemouths)
• Large catfish (such as Synodontis or plecos)
• Silver dollars
• Larger peaceful fish that won’t fit in their mouths
Avoid housing them with small fish (like tetras or guppies) as they will be eaten. Also, aggressive or fin-nipping fish (such as some barbs) should be avoided.
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