The Lapradei Bichir is a widespread species of Polypterus, found in various slow-moving shallow water habitats in much of lowland tropical West Africa. A large growing and robust species, this Bichir is capable of reaching sizes of over 30″ in the wild. Polypterus lapradei is one of several so-called “lower jaw” group of Polypterus, so named for their distinctive heavy lower jaw that protrude over the upper lip. In the aquarium, they are hardy and undemanding like most bichir species, but should be kept with a tight-fitting and possibly weighted lid as they will attempt to jump if spooked or at night
Lapradei Bichir (Polypterus lapradei)
Origin: Wild West Africa/Aquacultured Asia
Locale: Waters around Ughelli, Niger River Delta, Nigeria
Diet: Predator, will accept frozen and sinking foods
Adult Size: 28″
Recommended Tank Size: 120 gallon
Compatibility: Predatory, but generally not aggressive towards tankmates too big to be considered a meal. Should not be kept with overly aggressive fish which may nip at their fins.
Preferred Water Parameters
pH: 7.0 – 7.6
Temp: 76-82F
Ammonia: 0ppm
Nitrite: 0ppm
Nitrate: <30ppm
