Albino Bichir Fish - An Intro to These Unique Ancient Aquarium Fish

An Introduction to the Albino Bichir Fish

The albino bichir fish, also known as the albino Senegal bichir or Polypterus senegalus, is a unique and fascinating freshwater fish increasingly popular in home aquariums. With its primitive and prehistoric appearance, almost reptilian-like features, and bright white coloring, the albino bichir stands out in any aquarium setup.

Bichirs belong to a special group of ray-finned fishes called Polypteridae, which are the only living members of the ancient order Polypteriformes. Sometimes referred to as dinosaur eels or dragonfish, bichirs first appeared in the fossil record over 300 million years ago in the Late Devonian period, which makes them one of the oldest extant lineages of bony fishes.

There are approximately 12 known species of bichir found in freshwater habitats in tropical Africa. They have elongated, eel-like bodies with rounded heads and feature several key characteristics that give them their unique, primitive appearance:

• Dorsal fin - Extends far along back and is continuous with rounded tail fin (caudal fin)
• Paired lobe-shaped pectoral fins
• Multiple barbels around the mouth for sensing food
• Tooth-bearing jaws and bony orbits around the eyes
• Lungs in addition to gills - Allow them to breathe air
• Sturdy pectoral girdle
• Ganoid-type scales - Armor-like, diamond-shaped, interlocking
• Bifid ribbon-like pelvic fin rays

The albino morph of the Senegal bichir lacks the dark gray to olive green colors and patterns seen in the wild-type and has an overall white pigmentation. The albino variety remains very similar to the normal morph in terms of size, lifespan, care requirements, and temperament, making it an excellent choice for those desiring the striking white albino phenotype.

Natural Habitat and Origin

The Senegal bichir is native to freshwater marshes, swamps, floodplains, and rivers in tropical West Africa. Their natural range stretches across much of western and central Africa, including Senegal, Mali, Nigeria, Ghana, and Congo.

These ancient fishes inhabit slow-moving, warm, turbid waters among dense vegetation. During the dry season when their habitat may dry up, bichirs have the remarkable ability to breathe air, allowing them to migrate over land to other waterways. Their lung-like air bladders supplement their gills and enable them to survive in hypoxic (low-oxygen) waters.

Wild populations of albino Senegal bichirs are extremely rare. Albino bichirs available in the aquarium trade today are captive-bred specimens that have been selectively bred from fish displaying albino mutations.

Size and Lifespan

Albino Senegal bichirs reach an average adult length of 8-12 inches in captivity, though they have the potential to grow over 18 inches in ideal tank conditions. Males tend to be slightly smaller and more slender than females.

These ancient fishes are relatively slow-growing, especially compared to other popular tropical aquarium fish. They can live 10 years or longer with proper care.

Housing and Care Requirements

Despite their prehistoric appearance, albino bichirs are becoming common pets for advanced aquarists. They do have some specific care needs to thrive:

• Tank Size - Minimum 75 gallon aquarium, larger is better. These active swimmers need ample horizontal swimming space.
• Water Quality - Tropical temperatures of 72-82°F, pH 6.5-7.5, soft water preferred. Powerful filtration and regular water changes.
• Tankmates - Best kept with medium to large non-aggressive fish. Avoid small fish that can be eaten. Peaceful bottom dwellers like plecos ok.
• Decor - Fine sand or very small gravel substrate. Driftwood, rocks, roots, and dense planting recommended.
• Diet - Carnivore. Feed variety of frozen, live foods. Pellets, gel diets, freeze-dried foods also work.

Albino bichirs do well when kept in groups of 3 or more as they tend to be reclusive and appreciate the security of having others. A tight fitting tank cover is also a must as they are accomplished jumpers.

Behavior and Temperament

The albino Senegal bichir is a peaceful fish with a shy, nocturnal disposition. They typically rest hidden among plants and decor during the day and become more active at dawn and dusk when hunting for food.

Young bichirs may be jumpy and skittish at first. With time, they usually become bolder and less frightened by human presence outside the tank. However, albino bichirs generally do not interact with their owners as much as other aquarium fish.

Albino Senegal bichirs are not aggressive toward tankmates but may eat very small fish. They do best in fish-only aquariums with medium to large tankmates that won't bother them.

Feeding Habits and Diet

Bichirs are strict carnivores in the wild, feeding on insects, crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish. Albino Senegal bichirs do best on a varied meaty diet in captivity including:

• Live foods - Blackworms, brine shrimp, ghost shrimp, guppies, minnows
• Frozen foods - Bloodworms, krill, mysis, glassworms, brine shrimp, meat scraps
• Pellet foods - Sinking carnivore pellets, shrimp pellets, cichlid pellets
• Other - Freeze dried krill, mealworms, crickets, silversides

Feed them 2-3 times daily as much as they can consume within 5 minutes. Varying their protein sources is key to good health and coloration.

Though not aggressive, albino bichirs will eat any fish small enough to swallow whole. Tankmates should be chosen accordingly.

Breeding

Breeding the albino Senegal bichir has been achieved in captive settings but is extremely rare. They are challenging to breed due to their complex reproductive behavior which includes building a nest, intricate pair bonding rituals, and male mouthbrooding of the eggs and fry.

Key breeding triggers include simulated rainy seasons with cooler water changes and optimal conditioning with live foods. Fry can be raised on fine live foods but have a low survival rate.

Where to Buy Albino Bichirs

Albino Senegal bichirs are occasionally available at specialty aquarium stores and public aquariums. However, they are most commonly purchased from online retailers who specialize in exotic tropical fishes such as:

• LiveAquaria
• ThatFishPlace
• AquaBid
• eBay
• AquariumFishSale
• Imperial Tropicals

When buying albino bichirs online, it's important to only purchase from reputable sellers who properly pack and ship livestock. Ask about guarantees and policies regarding DOAs (dead on arrival) and refrigerated shipping methods.

The Benefits of Keeping Albino Bichirs

What makes albino bichirs such a unique and worthwhile aquatic pet? Here are some of the benefits of keeping these ancient oddball fish:

• Hardy, undemanding fish once acclimated
• Long-lived, low maintenance pet
• Beautiful bright white coloration
• Fascinating prehistoric appearance
• Active nocturnal behaviors
• Peaceful temperament
• Easy to feed carnivore
• Add diversity to semi-aggressive community tanks

For intermediate to advanced aquarists looking to add something out of the ordinary, the albino Senegal bichir is sure to impress. Their primitive form and behaviors offer a glimpse back into the ancient past while their striking albino phenotype provides a unique pop of color.

Frequently Asked Questions About Albino Bichirs

Are albino bichirs aggressive?

No, albino Senegal bichirs are not aggressive toward tank mates. They are shy, peaceful fish that prefer to avoid confrontation. However, they may eat very small fish that can fit in their mouths.

How big do albino bichirs get?

Albino Senegal bichirs typically reach 8-12 inches in home aquariums. In ideal tank conditions, they can potentially grow over 18 inches long. Females tend to be a bit larger than males.

Are bichirs good beginner fish?

Bichirs are often not recommended for beginners, as they have some specific care requirements. Advanced aquarists who can provide the proper setup tend to have the best success with these prehistoric fish.

Do albino bichirs need air pumps?

Yes, albino bichirs need highly oxygenated water, so an air pump and stone should be included. Their ability to breathe air allows them to thrive even in low oxygen conditions.

Can you keep just one albino bichir?

Bichirs are social fish that do best kept in small groups of 3 or more. One bichir alone may become stressed. If keeping just one, provide plenty of hiding spots and plants.

Conclusion

For fishkeeping enthusiasts looking for something truly unique, the albino bichir offers an opportunity to own a piece of living history. Their ancient origins, primitive features, and bright white coloring make them intriguing additions to large semi-aggressive aquariums.

While they require some specialized care, albino Senegal bichirs are fairly hardy once settled into a well-maintained tank. Their peaceful temperament allows them to be combined with other medium to large fish. For patient keepers, albino bichirs can make long-lived and fascinating pet fish.

FAQs

What do albino bichirs eat?

Albino bichirs are strictly carnivorous and eat a variety of meaty foods including frozen, live, and prepared foods like shrimp, krill, blackworms, pellets, etc.

Are albino bichirs compatible with betta fish?

No, bettas and other small, slow fish are not recommended tankmates for albino bichirs as they may be seen as prey and eaten.

How often should I feed my albino bichir?

Albino bichirs should be fed 2-3 times per day. Feed them as much food as they can consume within 5 minutes each feeding.

Do albino bichirs need light at night?

Some dim lighting at night can help bring out their natural nocturnal behaviors. Completely dark tanks may cause them stress.

Can I keep albino bichirs in a tropical community tank?

Yes, provided tankmates are medium to large peaceful fish that won't nip fins or be eaten. Avoid small, aggressive species.