{"product_id":"ornate-bichir","title":"Ornate Bichir","description":"\u003cstyle\u003e\na {\n    text-decoration: none;\n    color: #464feb;\n}\ntr th, tr td {\n    border: 1px solid #e6e6e6;\n}\ntr th {\n    background-color: #f5f5f5;\n}\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eOrnate Bichir\u003c\/strong\u003e is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and impressive species in the Bichir family. With its striking black and yellow patterning, armoured scales, and prehistoric appearance, this magnificent freshwater predator quickly becomes the centrepiece of any large aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOften referred to as a \"living dinosaur,\" the Ornate Bichir has changed very little over millions of years. Its elongated body, distinctive dorsal finlets, and intricate markings give it a truly ancient appearance while its calm, methodical movements make it fascinating to observe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite its intimidating look, the Ornate Bichir is generally a peaceful predator when housed with appropriately sized tank mates. Intelligent, hardy, and full of personality, it spends its time exploring the aquarium floor, investigating caves and driftwood, and patiently patrolling its territory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs one of the larger Bichir species, the Ornate Bichir is best suited to experienced aquarists with spacious aquariums capable of accommodating its impressive adult size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy You'll Love Them\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStunning black and yellow ornamental patterning\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne of the most sought-after Bichir species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFascinating prehistoric appearance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntelligent and full of character\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent centrepiece fish for large aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHardy and long-lived when properly cared for\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 500L+ (larger for adult specimens)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24–28°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.5–7.8\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carnivorous – sinking carnivore pellets, earthworms, shrimp, fish fillets, and frozen foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Compatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrnate Bichirs are generally peaceful toward similarly sized fish but remain opportunistic predators.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable tank mates include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSilver Dollars\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeverums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOscars\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDatnoids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarger Barbs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eArowanas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge Catfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther large Bichirs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid housing with small fish, shrimp, or species that can fit into the Bichir's mouth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAquascaping Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrnate Bichirs thrive in large aquariums with soft substrate, driftwood, caves, and shaded resting areas. They spend much of their time exploring the bottom of the aquarium and appreciate plenty of structure and hiding places.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003esecure lid is essential\u003c\/strong\u003e, as Bichirs are powerful escape artists and can leave the aquarium through surprisingly small gaps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir bold markings look spectacular against dark substrates, large driftwood pieces, and natural Amazonian-style layouts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Glass And Gill","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53672094794022,"sku":"RT-212","price":550.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1019\/9810\/0774\/files\/eshwater_21_610a0b7c-5f6a-4fe4-945c-afa045eeed19.png?v=1786526563","url":"https:\/\/www.glassandgill.co.za\/products\/ornate-bichir","provider":"Glass And Gill","version":"1.0","type":"link"}