{"product_id":"albino-senegal-bichir-polypterus-senegalus","title":"Albino Senegal Bichir (Polypterus senegalus)","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; line-height:1.75;\"\u003e\n\n  \u003ch2 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlbino Senegal Bichir (Polypterus senegalus)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA hardy albino form of the Senegal Bichir, loved for its prehistoric look, pale body, red eyes, and unique bottom-dwelling predator behavior.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    The Albino Senegal Bichir is one of the most recognizable oddball freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby.\n    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.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Despite the name “Dinosaur Eel,” this fish is not a true eel.\n    It is a bichir from the genus \u003cem\u003ePolypterus\u003c\/em\u003e, known for its long body, armored-looking scales, small dorsal finlets, and ability to breathe air from the surface.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    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.\n    It is a great choice for aquarists who want a hardy, unusual, prehistoric-looking fish for a properly planned large aquarium.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy this fish stands out\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAlbino form of the classic Senegal Bichir\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePrehistoric “dinosaur fish” appearance\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePale body with red eyes and strong contrast\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eHardy compared with many other oddball predator fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eInteresting bottom-dwelling and surface-breathing behavior\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eExcellent choice for large oddball or predator-style aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest for\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eOddball fish keepers\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePredator tank hobbyists\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eLarge freshwater aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAquarists who want a hardy prehistoric-looking fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eCustomers looking for something different from standard community fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTopick Aquarium Insight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Albino Senegal Bichirs are often described as easy, but “easy” does not mean they belong in small community aquariums.\n    They are hardy fish when kept correctly, but tank size, lid security, and tank mate selection are extremely important.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    The two biggest mistakes are keeping them with fish small enough to swallow, or leaving gaps in the aquarium lid.\n    Bichirs are strong escape artists and can push through surprisingly small openings.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    We recommend treating this fish as a long-term predator-style pet, not an impulse oddball purchase.\n    A healthy Albino Senegal Bichir should have a full body, steady movement, and a strong feeding response.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehavior\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Albino Senegal Bichirs are mostly bottom-dwelling predators.\n    They spend much of their time resting, cruising along the substrate, exploring decorations, or rising to the surface to breathe air.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    They are not hyper-aggressive fish, but they are opportunistic predators.\n    Any fish small enough to fit in their mouth should be considered potential food, especially at night.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Setup\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    A long aquarium with a large footprint is much more important than height.\n    Senegal Bichirs spend most of their time near the bottom, so swimming floor space matters more than vertical depth.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMinimum recommended tank: 55 gallons for juveniles or smaller individuals\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e75 gallons or larger strongly recommended for long-term adult care\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eLarge footprint preferred over tall narrow tanks\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSoft sand or smooth substrate recommended\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eDriftwood, caves, and shaded resting areas are helpful\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSecure, tight-fitting lid is essential\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eLeave access to the surface because bichirs breathe air\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Every opening around filters, heaters, airlines, and lids should be checked carefully.\n    This is one of the most important setup requirements for keeping bichirs safely.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003ePolypterus senegalus\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Albino Senegal Bichir, Albino Bichir, Albino Dinosaur Bichir, Dinosaur Eel\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\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e commonly around 25–35 cm in aquariums, with larger potential\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Predatory but generally peaceful with fish too large to eat\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carnivore\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Intermediate\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Albino Senegal Bichirs are adaptable when properly acclimated.\n    Stable water, mature filtration, and good maintenance are more important than chasing extreme parameters.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Albino Senegal Bichirs are carnivorous fish and should be fed a protein-rich diet.\n    A varied diet helps maintain body condition and long-term health.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSinking carnivore pellets\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eFrozen bloodworms\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eFrozen krill\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eChopped shrimp or prawn\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eEarthworms\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eFish fillet pieces in moderation\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Avoid relying on live feeder fish.\n    Feeder fish can introduce parasites, disease, and poor nutrition.\n    Training bichirs onto quality frozen and prepared foods is safer for long-term care.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Because bichirs are often more active around evening or after lights dim, feeding near lights-out can help reduce competition from faster tank mates.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    The rule is simple: choose tank mates that are peaceful, not overly aggressive, and too large to be swallowed.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eLarger peaceful rainbowfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMedium to large barbs\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSilver dollars\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePeaceful larger cichlids\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eLarge plecos\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eOther compatible bichirs in large enough aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Avoid small tetras, guppies, shrimp, nano fish, small corydoras, and any fish narrow enough to fit into the bichir’s mouth.\n    Also avoid aggressive fish that may harass, bite, or outcompete the bichir.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanada-Wide Live Fish Shipping\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Albino Senegal Bichir is available from Topick Aquarium in Canada when in stock.\n    Local pickup is available in Markham, Ontario, and Canada-wide live fish shipping may be available depending on weather, route, and livestock condition.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant Note\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Albino Senegal Bichir is a predator fish.\n    It may look slow and peaceful during the day, but it can eat smaller tank mates, especially at night.\n    Always plan tank mates based on the bichir’s adult size, not its size at purchase.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    A secure lid is not optional.\n    This fish can breathe air and may climb or escape if gaps are available.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFAQ\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Albino Senegal Bichir the same as Polypterus senegalus?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Yes. Albino Senegal Bichir is an albino colour form of \u003cem\u003ePolypterus senegalus\u003c\/em\u003e.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it the same as a Dinosaur Eel?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    “Dinosaur Eel” is a common trade name, but this fish is not a true eel. It is a bichir from the genus \u003cem\u003ePolypterus\u003c\/em\u003e.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow big does Albino Senegal Bichir get?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    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.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat tank size does it need?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    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.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan Albino Senegal Bichir live with small fish?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    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.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Albino Senegal Bichir aggressive?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    It is predatory but not usually aggressive toward fish too large to eat. Tank mate size and temperament are the key.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it need a lid?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Yes. A tight-fitting lid is essential because bichirs are known escape artists and can breathe air.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat should I feed it?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Feed sinking carnivore pellets, frozen bloodworms, krill, chopped shrimp, earthworms, and other meaty foods. Avoid relying on live feeder fish.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this fish beginner-friendly?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    It is hardy, but we recommend it for aquarists who can provide a proper tank size, secure lid, stable water, and suitable tank mates.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Topick Aquarium","offers":[{"title":"1 Fish (~10 cm)","offer_id":46236736422122,"sku":null,"price":34.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0605\/9091\/5818\/files\/Albino-Senegal-Bichir-Small-3_1200x1200_38aec032-0905-464c-aac9-1f5dfe0608aa.webp?v=1788576211","url":"https:\/\/topickaquarium.com\/products\/albino-senegal-bichir-polypterus-senegalus","provider":"Topick Aquarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}