Green Congo/West African Bichir - (Polypterus retropinnis)

🐟 Green Congo/West African Bichir (Polypterus retropinnis)

The Green Congo or West African Bichir is a prehistoric-looking fish native to Central and West Africa. Known for its olive-green coloration and elongated body with distinctive dorsal finlets, this bichir is popular among enthusiasts for its hardiness and fascinating appearance.

🔍 Quick Facts

• 🆔 Common Name: Green Congo Bichir, West African Bichir
• 🧬 Scientific Name: Polypterus retropinnis
• 🧬 Family: Polypteridae
• 🌎 Origin: Central and West Africa — Congo Basin and surrounding rivers
• 📏 Max Size: Up to 18 inches (45 cm)

🕊️ Behavior & Temperament

• 🕊️ Generally peaceful but can be territorial with similar species
• 🐟 Nocturnal and bottom-dwelling
• 🏞️ Requires hiding spots like caves and dense vegetation
• 🛑 Best kept with medium to large non-aggressive tankmates

🏡 Tank Requirements

• 🛁 Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons+
• 🪵 Provide caves, driftwood, and dense planting for cover
• 💨 Moderate water flow with good filtration
• 🌡️ Stable tropical freshwater conditions

Water Parameters:

• 🌡️ Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• ⚗️ pH: 6.5–7.5
• 💧 Soft to moderately hard water

🍽️ Diet

• Carnivorous — prefers meaty foods like shrimp, worms, and small fish

📊 Overview Table

📝 Snippet

The Green Congo or West African Bichir (Polypterus retropinnis) is a fascinating prehistoric fish from Africa’s Congo Basin. It thrives in spacious aquariums with hiding spots and is well-suited for peaceful community setups with larger tankmates.