Delhezi Bichir

The Delhezi Bichir (Polypterus delhezi), sometimes known as the barred, banded, or armored bichir, is a nocturnal, predatory catfish native to Central Africa’s Congo River’s middle part.

This living fossil is a distinctive, robust fish with yellow and green flecks over a dozen small black stripes that will give your aquarium a wonderful prehistoric vibe and are generally easy to care for!

One intriguing aspect to consider when housing a Delhezi Bichir is that they are excellent escape artists. Because these fish require air oxygen to survive, space above the surface must be left for your bichir to breathe.

Your Delhezi Bichir, on the other hand, will almost surely find their way out of the tank and onto the floor if there are any openings near the aquarium cover!

Delhezi Bichirs thrives in temperatures ranging from 76 to 83°F. While they are resilient fish that can tolerate a broad variety of temperatures, installing an aquarium heater and thermometer in most tanks is suggested.

II. You would love the fish because…

The Delhezi or Armored Bichir is a medium-sized member of the Polypterus “upper jaw” complex that may be found over much of the Congo River Basin in Central Africa. This species is popular in the hobby and is currently being bred commercially in Southeast Asia due to its big body, prehistoric appearance, and distinctive banded pattern. They are hardy and undemanding like most Bichir species, but need to be kept with a tight-fitting and perhaps weighted lid because they will attempt to jump if scared or at night.

III. Is this fish species peaceful or hostile?

Bichirs are predatory fish, with a moderately aggressive temperament.

IV. Species compatibility

Delhezi Bichirs are a gentle species that may comfortably coexist with other mild-mannered, medium-sized fish. While they get along with cichlids, Tigerfish, Angelfish, and other Polypterus or Synodontis species, it’s best to avoid any noisy or rambunctious companions as they may fight for food with your banded bichir.

Other placid, medium-sized fish such as Angelfish, giant Ctenopama, other Polypterus and Synodontis species, Tigerfish, and cichlids such as Severums and Festivums are excellent companions for your Delhezi Bichir.

V. How to feed this species?

The bichir is a carnivore who rarely consumes dried foods. For larger species, such as shrimp, baitfish, mussels, and earthworms, a diet of frozen or live meals is recommended. Mosquito larvae, bloodworms, and vitamin-enriched brine shrimp are also eaten by smaller specimens.