What is Bichir?

Bichir is a freshwater fish belonging to the family polypteridae. Although there are 12 separate species of Bichir, each of them is originally from Africa and shares several unusual features with their relatives. Specifically, the bichirus have a series of small back fins, armored scales and a primitive pulmonary system that allows them to breathe above the water. While the Bichirus are carnivorous, they are not particularly aggressive, which makes them a somewhat popular choice among aquarium fans. They tend to spend most of the day near the beds of lakes or rivers in which they live between plants and under the rocks. They become active at night when they start to hunt food. The Bichirus have an zealous sense of smell and it is known to swim in swamps and swamps in the search for prey.

Due to its unusual appearance, Bichir gained the nickname "dinosaur eel" among many fish enthusiasts. It has a body similar to a tube that can grow over 3 feet (91.44 cm). In addition, his back is lined with one set of ŘAdy eight to 15 sharp miniature back fins or "fints". He has short, wide pectoral fin, allowing him to "walk" through the water bed. Also unusual are its extremely hard scales that equip it with a kind of natural armor suit.

Another distinguishing element common to 12 species of Bichir is the possession of a primitive lung system. These lungs replace the bladder instead of swimming in most fish. They also allow Bichir to breathe by raising their heads above the surface of the water. This unusual respiratory system allows Bichirus to continue accessing oxygen, even if there is water in which the quality is traded.

Bichirus are carnivorous animals that feed on prey, such as worms and small fish. However, when they feed regularly, they tend to be quite obedient animals and generally do not show aggression to the fish that surround them. This direction combined with their poisonIn view of them, they make them a somewhat popular choice among freshwater aquarium enthusiasts. Before adding bichiar to an existing tank, however, aquarists should be aware that fish can be attacked by plecs or other fish -consuming fish, which can be attracted by bacteria growing on bichiric degrees.