Care guide at a glance
Polypterus palmas
Description
An ancient, eel-like predator with armoured scales and a row of separate dorsal finlets, marked here with fine gold speckling. Prehistoric in appearance and remarkably placid.
Feeding
Carnivorous. Frozen prawn, mussel, earthworm and sinking carnivore pellets. Feeds by scent, mainly after dark, so food must be placed where it can find it.
Compatibility
Peaceful toward fish too large to swallow, and will eat anything smaller. Suitable with large robust community fish and cichlids.
Behaviour and personality
Cruises slowly along the bottom, propped on its pectoral fins. Surfaces periodically to gulp air, which is normal and necessary.
Before you buy
A determined escape artist - the tank must be sealed, as bichirs routinely find any gap. Poor eyesight means faster tankmates will steal its food, so target-feed after lights out.
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Additional information:
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