{"product_id":"platinum-bichir","title":"Platinum 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\u003ePlatinum Bichir\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of the rarest and most sought-after freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby. Featuring a stunning pure white to silver coloration, this remarkable variant of the Senegal Bichir combines a prehistoric appearance with an elegant, almost mythical presence that immediately draws attention in any aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOften referred to as a \"living dinosaur,\" the Platinum Bichir retains all the fascinating characteristics of its wild counterparts, including its armoured scales, distinctive dorsal finlets, and ability to breathe atmospheric air. Its unique platinum-white coloration creates a dramatic contrast against dark substrates, driftwood, and natural hardscape, making it a true showpiece fish for serious aquarists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite its premium appearance, the Platinum Bichir remains hardy and adaptable, sharing the same inquisitive personality and fascinating behaviour as the standard Senegal Bichir. Constantly exploring its environment and investigating every corner of the aquarium, it quickly becomes one of the most engaging fish in any collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether housed in a monster fish setup or a carefully curated predator community, the Platinum Bichir is a statement piece that few freshwater species can rival.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy You'll Love Them\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRare and highly sought-after platinum coloration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnique prehistoric \"living dinosaur\" appearance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHardy and adaptable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntelligent and inquisitive behaviour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncredible centrepiece fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuitable for monster fish and large community aquariums\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 250L+ (larger for adults)\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, shrimp, earthworms, frozen foods, and fish protein-based diets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy to Moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Compatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlatinum Bichirs are generally peaceful predators that spend much of their time exploring the aquarium floor and searching for food.\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\u003eLarger Barbs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDatnoids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOscars\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge Rainbowfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSynodontis Catfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther appropriately sized Bichirs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid housing with very small fish or shrimp, as anything that fits into their mouth may eventually be viewed as food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAquascaping Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlatinum Bichirs thrive in aquariums with soft substrate, caves, driftwood, and shaded resting areas. Their bright white coloration looks extraordinary against black substrates and darker aquascapes, creating an impressive contrast that highlights their unique appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003esecure lid is essential\u003c\/strong\u003e, as Bichirs are known escape artists and can squeeze through surprisingly small openings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProviding plenty of hiding places and open swimming space will encourage natural behaviour and help the fish settle in confidently.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Glass And Gill","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53672377647398,"sku":"RT-616","price":850.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1019\/9810\/0774\/files\/eshwater_22_07d6bda8-4ba5-40cf-a09b-aecd71d55640.png?v=1786534276","url":"https:\/\/www.glassandgill.co.za\/products\/platinum-bichir","provider":"Glass And Gill","version":"1.0","type":"link"}