The Albino Senegal Bichir is a stunning variant of Polypterus senegalus, known for its white body, red eyes, and prehistoric “dinosaur fish” appearance. Popular among keepers of exotic freshwater fish and freshwater oddball species, this hardy and adaptable predator makes a striking addition to medium and large tropical aquariums. Albino Senegal Bichirs are peaceful, curious, and long-lived, making them an excellent choice for aquarists looking for a unique centerpiece fish.

🐟 Quick Facts

• 📏 Adult Size: 12–14 inches

• 🏠 Minimum Tank: 55 gallons

• 🌡️ Temperature: 75–82°F

• 💧 pH Range: 6.5–7.8

• 🍖 Diet: Carnivore

• 😴 Temperament: Peaceful, predatory

• 🔒 Lid Required: Yes — known jumpers

🔧 Care Requirements

🏠 Tank Setup

The Albino Senegal Bichir thrives in aquariums with plenty of bottom space, dim lighting, and natural hiding areas. Driftwood, caves, and low plants help mimic their natural habitat. Their slow, graceful movement and dragon-like dorsal finlets make them a favorite among oddball fish keepers and fans of rare aquarium species.
A tight, secure lid is crucial — bichirs are excellent escape artists.

💧 Water Parameters

• 🌡️ Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)

• 💧 pH: 6.5–7.8

• 🧪 Hardness: Soft–moderately hard

• 🌬️ Flow: Moderate

• 🔁 Water Changes: 25–40% weekly

Stable water conditions are key for maintaining a healthy bichir aquarium.

🍖 Diet

As a carnivorous freshwater fish, the Albino Senegal Bichir enjoys a protein-rich diet consisting of:

• 🥣 Sinking carnivore pellets

• 🧊 Frozen bloodworms, krill, silversides

• 🪱 Earthworms/nightcrawlers

• 🍤 Freeze-dried shrimp and meaty foods

Avoid feeder fish due to poor nutrition and parasite risks.

🤝 Behavior & Tankmates

Although peaceful, the Albino Senegal Bichir is still a predatory freshwater species, so it will eat any fish small enough to fit in its mouth.

✔️ Compatible Tankmates:

• Larger barbs

• Silver dollars

• Congo tetras

• Peaceful medium–large cichlids

• Other bichirs

❌ Avoid:

• Small schooling fish (tetras, guppies, rasboras)

• Fin-nippers

• Crayfish and aggressive inverts

These tankmates help create a stable, semi-predatory community setup.

⭐ Key Notes

• Provide hiding areas and soft lighting

• Great choice for oddball, predator, and dinosaur-themed aquariums

• Requires a tight lid — highly prone to escaping

• Hardy, adaptable, and ideal for intermediate aquarists