Fin's Fish Guide
The Ornate bichir (Polypterus ornatipinnis) is a freshwater fish of the family Polypteridae that grows up to 60 cm.
Fresh water of Central and East Africa (including the Congo basin and Lake Tanganyika), along calm, vegetated banks and swamps.
Description
The ornate bichir is a remarkable ancient fish of the family Polypteridae reaching about 60 cm. The elongate, brown-yellow body bears a handsome black net pattern and is covered with thick, shiny rhombic ganoid scales - a feature of very old fish groups. A row of separate, spiny finlets runs along the back and the muscular pectoral fins help it 'walk' over the bottom. Notably it has lungs and can breathe air at the surface, letting it survive in oxygen-poor water. The species comes from Central and East Africa and lives along quiet, vegetated margins and swamps. At night it hunts small fish, crustaceans, insects and worms. Because of its archaic look it is popular in the aquarium hobby.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Ornate bichir?
The Ornate bichir has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a marbled pattern. Primitive fish with thick, rhomboid ganoid scales, a row of spiny dorsal finlets and muscular pectoral fins; has lungs and can breathe air.
Where does the Ornate bichir live?
The Ornate bichir lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of Central and East Africa (including the Congo basin and Lake Tanganyika), along calm, vegetated banks and swamps.
How big does the Ornate bichir get?
The Ornate bichir grows to a maximum of about 60 cm.
Is the Ornate bichir dangerous to humans?
No, the Ornate bichir is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Ornate bichir edible?
The Ornate bichir is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Polypterus
More from the family Polypteridae
Want the complete picture on the Ornate bichir?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Ornate bichir is one of 12,519 species in the app.