Senegal Bichir - (Polypterus senegalus) Marbled

🐟 Marbled Senegal Bichir – (Polypterus senegalus) – Patterned Freshwater “Dinosaur” Fish for Sale

The Marbled Senegal Bichir (Polypterus senegalus) is a beautiful color morph of the standard Senegal Bichir, featuring a cream to tan base color covered with intricate dark marbling across its entire body and fins. Like all bichirs, this ancient species boasts an elongated, armored body, multiple dorsal finlets, and the ability to breathe atmospheric air—traits that make it look like a living fossil.

Hardy, adaptable, and visually striking, the Marbled Senegal Bichir is a favorite among oddball fish keepers who want both prehistoric charm and a unique pattern.

🔎 Quick Facts – Marbled Senegal Bichir (Polypterus senegalus)

• 📛 Common Names: Marbled Senegal Bichir, Patterned Gray Bichir, Cuvier’s Bichir (Marble Morph)
• 🔬 Scientific Name: Polypterus senegalus
• 🌍 Origin: West & Central Africa (marbled color morph – captive bred)
• 🎨 Appearance: Cream/tan body with dark marbling; elongated body and multiple dorsal finlets
• 📏 Max Size: 14–18 inches (35–45 cm)
• 💎 Rarity: Less common than the standard form; selectively bred

😇 Behavior & Temperament

• 🐟 Peaceful toward tankmates too large to swallow
• 🦑 Predatory – will consume smaller fish that fit in its mouth
• 🌙 Primarily nocturnal, more active under dim lighting
• 🪵 Often rests on the substrate or slowly glides along the bottom

🏠 Aquarium & Tank Requirements

• 📦 Minimum Tank Size: 55+ gallons
• 🪵 Include driftwood, caves, and dense cover for hiding
• 🌊 Low to moderate water movement with strong filtration
• 💡 Low lighting preferred to reduce stress and bring out colors

💧 Water Parameters – Marbled Senegal Bichir Care

• 🌡️ Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• ⚗️ pH: 6.2–7.8
• 💧 Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water

🍽️ Diet – Carnivorous Predator

• 🦐 Frozen shrimp, krill, and prawns
• 🐟 Sinking carnivore pellets and fish meat
• 🪱 Earthworms, bloodworms, and blackworms
• 🚫 Avoid feeder fish to prevent health risks

📋 Marbled Senegal Bichir Care Overview Table

✨ Highlight:

• The Marbled Senegal Bichir combines the prehistoric appeal of the regular Senegal Bichir with a rare, eye-catching marbled pattern—perfect for aquarists who want something truly unique in their oddball or predator tank.