Albino Senegal Bichir (Polypterus senegalus)
Albino Senegal Bichir (Polypterus senegalus)
A hardy albino form of the Senegal Bichir, loved for its prehistoric look, pale body, red eyes, and unique bottom-dwelling predator behavior.
The Albino Senegal Bichir is one of the most recognizable oddball freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby. Also searched as Albino Bichir, Albino Dinosaur Bichir, Dinosaur Bichir, or Dinosaur Eel, this fish has an ancient, dragon-like appearance that makes it stand out from common community fish.
Despite the name “Dinosaur Eel,” this fish is not a true eel. It is a bichir from the genus Polypterus, known for its long body, armored-looking scales, small dorsal finlets, and ability to breathe air from the surface.
The albino form has the same care requirements as the normal Senegal Bichir, but with a pale cream to pinkish-white body and red eyes. It is a great choice for aquarists who want a hardy, unusual, prehistoric-looking fish for a properly planned large aquarium.
Why this fish stands out
- Albino form of the classic Senegal Bichir
- Prehistoric “dinosaur fish” appearance
- Pale body with red eyes and strong contrast
- Hardy compared with many other oddball predator fish
- Interesting bottom-dwelling and surface-breathing behavior
- Excellent choice for large oddball or predator-style aquariums
Best for
- Oddball fish keepers
- Predator tank hobbyists
- Large freshwater aquariums
- Aquarists who want a hardy prehistoric-looking fish
- Customers looking for something different from standard community fish
Topick Aquarium Insight
Albino Senegal Bichirs are often described as easy, but “easy” does not mean they belong in small community aquariums. They are hardy fish when kept correctly, but tank size, lid security, and tank mate selection are extremely important.
The two biggest mistakes are keeping them with fish small enough to swallow, or leaving gaps in the aquarium lid. Bichirs are strong escape artists and can push through surprisingly small openings.
We recommend treating this fish as a long-term predator-style pet, not an impulse oddball purchase. A healthy Albino Senegal Bichir should have a full body, steady movement, and a strong feeding response.
Behavior
Albino Senegal Bichirs are mostly bottom-dwelling predators. They spend much of their time resting, cruising along the substrate, exploring decorations, or rising to the surface to breathe air.
They are not hyper-aggressive fish, but they are opportunistic predators. Any fish small enough to fit in their mouth should be considered potential food, especially at night.
Tank Setup
A long aquarium with a large footprint is much more important than height. Senegal Bichirs spend most of their time near the bottom, so swimming floor space matters more than vertical depth.
- Minimum recommended tank: 55 gallons for juveniles or smaller individuals
- 75 gallons or larger strongly recommended for long-term adult care
- Large footprint preferred over tall narrow tanks
- Soft sand or smooth substrate recommended
- Driftwood, caves, and shaded resting areas are helpful
- Secure, tight-fitting lid is essential
- Leave access to the surface because bichirs breathe air
Every opening around filters, heaters, airlines, and lids should be checked carefully. This is one of the most important setup requirements for keeping bichirs safely.
Water Parameters
- Scientific Name: Polypterus senegalus
- Common Names: Albino Senegal Bichir, Albino Bichir, Albino Dinosaur Bichir, Dinosaur Eel
- Temperature: 24–28°C
- pH: 6.5–7.8
- Adult Size: commonly around 25–35 cm in aquariums, with larger potential
- Temperament: Predatory but generally peaceful with fish too large to eat
- Diet: Carnivore
- Care Level: Intermediate
Albino Senegal Bichirs are adaptable when properly acclimated. Stable water, mature filtration, and good maintenance are more important than chasing extreme parameters.
Feeding
Albino Senegal Bichirs are carnivorous fish and should be fed a protein-rich diet. A varied diet helps maintain body condition and long-term health.
- Sinking carnivore pellets
- Frozen bloodworms
- Frozen krill
- Chopped shrimp or prawn
- Earthworms
- Fish fillet pieces in moderation
Avoid relying on live feeder fish. Feeder fish can introduce parasites, disease, and poor nutrition. Training bichirs onto quality frozen and prepared foods is safer for long-term care.
Because bichirs are often more active around evening or after lights dim, feeding near lights-out can help reduce competition from faster tank mates.
Tank Mates
The rule is simple: choose tank mates that are peaceful, not overly aggressive, and too large to be swallowed.
- Larger peaceful rainbowfish
- Medium to large barbs
- Silver dollars
- Peaceful larger cichlids
- Large plecos
- Other compatible bichirs in large enough aquariums
Avoid small tetras, guppies, shrimp, nano fish, small corydoras, and any fish narrow enough to fit into the bichir’s mouth. Also avoid aggressive fish that may harass, bite, or outcompete the bichir.
Canada-Wide Live Fish Shipping
Albino Senegal Bichir is available from Topick Aquarium in Canada when in stock. Local pickup is available in Markham, Ontario, and Canada-wide live fish shipping may be available depending on weather, route, and livestock condition.
Important Note
Albino Senegal Bichir is a predator fish. It may look slow and peaceful during the day, but it can eat smaller tank mates, especially at night. Always plan tank mates based on the bichir’s adult size, not its size at purchase.
A secure lid is not optional. This fish can breathe air and may climb or escape if gaps are available.
FAQ
Is Albino Senegal Bichir the same as Polypterus senegalus?
Yes. Albino Senegal Bichir is an albino colour form of Polypterus senegalus.
Is it the same as a Dinosaur Eel?
“Dinosaur Eel” is a common trade name, but this fish is not a true eel. It is a bichir from the genus Polypterus.
How big does Albino Senegal Bichir get?
In aquariums, they are commonly around 25–35 cm, but they have the potential to grow larger. Plan the tank for adult size, not juvenile size.
What tank size does it need?
A 55 gallon tank may work for smaller individuals, but 75 gallons or larger is strongly recommended for long-term adult care, especially with tank mates.
Can Albino Senegal Bichir live with small fish?
No. Any fish small enough to fit in its mouth may eventually be eaten. Avoid guppies, neon tetras, small rasboras, shrimp, and similar small livestock.
Is Albino Senegal Bichir aggressive?
It is predatory but not usually aggressive toward fish too large to eat. Tank mate size and temperament are the key.
Does it need a lid?
Yes. A tight-fitting lid is essential because bichirs are known escape artists and can breathe air.
What should I feed it?
Feed sinking carnivore pellets, frozen bloodworms, krill, chopped shrimp, earthworms, and other meaty foods. Avoid relying on live feeder fish.
Is this fish beginner-friendly?
It is hardy, but we recommend it for aquarists who can provide a proper tank size, secure lid, stable water, and suitable tank mates.