{"product_id":"senegal-bichir","title":"Senegal 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\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\u003eSenegal Bichir\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of the most popular and beginner-friendly species in the Bichir family, prized for its prehistoric appearance, hardy nature, and fascinating behaviour. Often referred to as a \"living dinosaur,\" this remarkable fish has remained largely unchanged for millions of years and brings a truly unique presence to the freshwater aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its elongated body, armour-like scales, and distinctive row of dorsal finlets, the Senegal Bichir stands out from traditional aquarium fish. Slow-moving yet constantly curious, it spends much of its time exploring the bottom of the aquarium, investigating caves, driftwood, and hidden spaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike most fish, Senegal Bichirs possess a primitive lung-like organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric air. This unusual adaptation adds to their prehistoric charm and makes them one of the most interesting fish to observe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardy, adaptable, and full of character, the Senegal Bichir is an excellent introduction to keeping larger predatory fish while remaining more manageable than many other monster fish species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy You'll Love Them\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFascinating prehistoric appearance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHardy and beginner-friendly for a predator species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnique air-breathing behaviour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful with appropriately sized tank mates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFull of personality and curiosity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent centrepiece fish for larger 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 200L+ (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 pellets, earthworms, shrimp, frozen foods, and protein-rich foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy to Moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Compatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSenegal Bichirs are generally peaceful predators that spend most of their time near the substrate or exploring the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable tank mates include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeverums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSilver Dollars\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarger Barbs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRainbowfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarger Gouramis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSynodontis Catfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther peaceful Bichirs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid keeping them with very small fish or shrimp, as anything that fits into their mouth may eventually become food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAquascaping Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSenegal Bichirs thrive in aquariums with soft substrate, driftwood, caves, and shaded areas where they can rest and explore. While they appreciate structure and hiding spots, they also require open areas for movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003esecure-fitting lid is essential\u003c\/strong\u003e, as Bichirs are well-known escape artists and can squeeze through surprisingly small openings when motivated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir natural colours and unique body shape look especially striking in Amazonian and large freshwater community setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Glass And Gill","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53672074707238,"sku":"PT-0005","price":385.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1019\/9810\/0774\/files\/eshwater_20_cca9a930-3289-4228-becf-bc3550f45bf9.png?v=1786526412","url":"https:\/\/www.glassandgill.co.za\/products\/senegal-bichir","provider":"Glass And Gill","version":"1.0","type":"link"}