Bichirs: An Expert Guide to Polypterus - Full Care Information скачать в хорошем качестве

Bichirs: An Expert Guide to Polypterus - Full Care Information

Hello everyone, it's Pierre and welcome back to the channel! This video is a complete, comprehensive and expert guide on bichirs or the polypterus fish. Whether you’re considering keeping bichirs or you already have a tank full of them, this video is packed with tips, history, and advice you won’t want to miss. Bichirs are native to Africa. They live in bodies of water that are typically warm, slow-moving, and filled with vegetation. Many of these areas experience seasonal flooding, and bichirs have adapted to thrive in both the dry and wet seasons. Bichirs are able to breathe air! This gives them a major advantage in shallow or stagnant waters, where other fish might struggle. The history of bichirs dates back to the Jurassic period, making them true living fossils. Bichirs were discovered in the early 19th century mostly by French explorers and naturalists, but locals in Africa had known about them for centuries, often catching them as a food source. The scientists weren’t sure whether to classify them as fish or amphibians! "Bichirs are immediately recognizable thanks to their snake-like bodies and unique dorsal finlets which look like tiny flags running down their back. They have a thick, armor-like layer of ganoid scales, which are incredibly tough and provide excellent protection. Their nostrils protrude and are used to detect prey in murky water. Their lungs allow them to breathe air which is crucial when oxygen levels in the water can be extremely low. They have strong pectoral fins with muscular lobes, which allow them to perch on the bottom or even move over land. This, combined with their ability to breathe air, means that they can even survive out of water indefinitely if conditions are right. Bichirs can be classified into upper jaw and lower jaw species. Knowing the difference is crucial when planning your tank setup, as lower jaw species typically require more space and may have different temperaments." When choosing a bichir, look for clear eyes, a full belly, active swimming behavior and intact fins. Captive-bred bichirs are generally healthier, easier to acclimate, and less likely to carry parasites. The most common species you’ll find in stores are captive-bred. Bichirs appear to be sensitive to inbreeding depression, which manifests as a shorter skull and a frog-like face and eye placement. The largest tank you can provide would be ideal due to their adult size of around 1-2 feet. Although smaller species like the Senegal bichir may do fine alone in a 55 or 75 gallon tank, larger species P. endlicheri or congicus can grow up to 30 inches and will need a tank of at least 125 to 180 gallons or more. General tropical water conditions including a temperature of 75–82°F (24–28°C), pH of 6.5 to 8.0, with moderate water hardness are fine due to the wide range of habitats and bodies of water they can be found in in the wild. Bichirs are peaceful but even though they’re not aggressive, they are predatory which means if it fits in their mouth then it’ll probably be eaten. Good tank mate options include datnoids, peaceful cichlids, silver dollars, and large catfish. Avoid small or overly aggressive fish. Bichirs are primarily carnivorous and need a protein-rich diet. Offer them shrimp, fish fillets, earthworms, and high-quality pellets. They will eat anything that is reasonably palatable. Using store bought or wild caught feeder fish is not recommended, as these can introduce diseases to your bichirs and cause other health issues such as vitamin deficiency. Breeding bichirs in captivity is fairly challenging but not impossible. Males can be identified by their larger, more developed anal fins, which they cup to fertilize eggs during spawning. Why should you consider keeping bichirs? First, they’re incredibly hardy fish, making them suitable for experienced and novice aquarists alike. Second, their unique appearance and behavior set them apart from almost every other fish in the hobby. They’re curious and even cute, and at times surprisingly interactive depending on the species, especially when it’s feeding time. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of keeping some incredible bichir species, including the striking albino Senegal (whom we have named "Pink"), the majestic Lapradei, the rare Polypterus bichir bichir, the quirky Weeksii, and the awe-inspiring Endlicheri. Each one has brought something unique to my tanks! Owning a bichir isn’t just about keeping a pet—it’s like having a living piece of evolutionary history swimming in your tank. Thanks for joining me on this deep dive into the world of bichirs! If you enjoyed this video, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with fellow fish enthusiasts. Have questions or a bichir story to share? Drop it in the comments below. Until next time, thanks for watching and happy fishkeeping! See you next time. Pierre (The Fish Beast) #aquarium #monsterfish #bichir