{"product_id":"saddled-bichir","title":"Saddled 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\u003eSaddled Bichir\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of the largest and most impressive members of the Bichir family, renowned for its powerful build, prehistoric appearance, and distinctive saddle-like markings running along its body. Often described as a true \"living dinosaur,\" this incredible freshwater predator has remained largely unchanged for millions of years, making it one of the most fascinating fish in the aquarium hobby.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeaturing a broad head, muscular body, and dark saddle-shaped patterning across a light grey to olive background, the Saddled Bichir commands attention in any large aquarium. As it matures, its sheer size and presence make it a natural centrepiece for monster fish enthusiasts and collectors of unusual species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite its formidable appearance, the Saddled Bichir is generally calm and deliberate in its movements. It spends much of its time patrolling the bottom of the aquarium, exploring caves and driftwood, and emerging at feeding time with surprising enthusiasm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor aquarists seeking a truly remarkable predator fish with incredible character and prehistoric appeal, few species can rival the Saddled Bichir.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy You'll Love Them\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStunning prehistoric appearance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistinctive saddle-pattern markings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne of the largest Bichir species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntelligent and highly inquisitive\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncredible centrepiece fish\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 750L+ (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 – earthworms, shrimp, sinking carnivore pellets, fish fillets, and frozen foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate to Advanced\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Compatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSaddled Bichirs are peaceful for a predator but should only be housed with fish too large to be viewed as food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable tank mates include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eArowanas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDatnoids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOscars\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeverums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge Silver Dollars\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 keeping them with small fish, shrimp, or species that can fit into their mouth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAquascaping Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSaddled Bichirs thrive in spacious aquariums with soft sand substrates, large pieces of driftwood, caves, and shaded areas where they can rest during the day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003etight-fitting lid is absolutely essential\u003c\/strong\u003e, as Bichirs are notorious escape artists and can force their way through surprisingly small openings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir natural colouration and imposing size look especially striking in large river-style aquariums and monster fish displays featuring wood, rocks, and subdued lighting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Glass And Gill","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53672390918438,"sku":"RT-353","price":350.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1019\/9810\/0774\/files\/eshwater_23_67acba47-48b1-4446-9ba0-02dde4322d56.png?v=1786534907","url":"https:\/\/www.glassandgill.co.za\/products\/saddled-bichir","provider":"Glass And Gill","version":"1.0","type":"link"}