Fish List

The Delhezi bichir, Polypterus delhezi, is a captivating freshwater fish native to the rivers and floodplains of the Congo Basin in Africa. Known for its unique, prehistoric appearance, the Delhezi bichir has an elongated body that can grow up to 14-16 inches in captivity. It is easily recognized by its striking olive to grayish-green coloration adorned with dark vertical bands or mottled patterns along its body, giving it a distinct and exotic look. Its body is lined with segmented dorsal finlets, contributing to its "dinosaur-like" appeal.
 

Delhezi bichirs are relatively peaceful and best suited to large tanks of at least 75 gallons with a secure lid, as they are known to be escape artists. They prefer tanks with low lighting, soft substrates, and plenty of hiding spots, such as rocks, driftwood, and caves. These fish thrive in warm water temperatures between 75-82°F and slightly acidic to neutral pH levels (6.5-7.5).
 

As carnivores, Delhezi bichirs enjoy a diet rich in protein, including high-quality pellets, as well as live or frozen foods such as shrimp, earthworms, and fish. They have a calm demeanor and are generally compatible with larger, non-aggressive tankmates, though they may view small fish as prey. Their hardy nature, beautiful markings, and fascinating behavior make Delhezi bichirs a popular choice for experienced aquarists, adding a prehistoric allure to a well-structured, species-specific tank.

The Senegal bichir, Polypterus senegalus, also known as the "dinosaur eel" due to its prehistoric appearance, is a hardy and fascinating freshwater fish native to the rivers and wetlands of West and Central Africa. Typically growing to about 12-18 inches in length, the Senegal bichir has a long, slender body covered in protective scales, a series of dorsal finlets along its back, and large, fan-like pectoral fins that add to its unique, dragon-like appearance.
 

Senegal bichirs are hardy and adaptable, making them popular among aquarists who enjoy larger, unique fish. They require a spacious tank of at least 55-75 gallons with a secure lid, as they can jump. They prefer dimly lit aquariums with plenty of hiding spots, such as caves, plants, and driftwood, to mimic their natural environment. Senegal bichirs thrive in warm water temperatures of 75-82°F and a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.5-7.5).
 

As carnivores, Senegal bichirs enjoy a varied diet that includes high-quality sinking pellets, as well as live or frozen foods like shrimp, fish, and worms. These bichirs are generally peaceful with similarly sized tankmates but may eat smaller fish if given the chance. Their hardy nature, prehistoric look, and intriguing behavior make Senegal bichirs an excellent choice for aquarists looking to add an exotic touch to a semi-aggressive, large fish setup.

The albino Senegal bichir, Polypterus senegalus "albino," is a captivating variant of the Senegal bichir, distinguished by its creamy white to pale yellow coloration and bright red or pink eyes. Native to the slow-moving rivers and shallow waters of West and Central Africa, this unique bichir can reach about 12-18 inches in length, making it one of the more manageable bichir species for aquarists. Its elongated, armor-plated body and spiny dorsal finlets give it a prehistoric, almost dragon-like appearance, which is enhanced by its albino coloring.
 

Albino Senegal bichirs are hardy and adaptable, though they require large tanks of at least 75 gallons, with a secure lid to prevent them from jumping. They are bottom-dwellers, spending much of their time near the substrate or hiding among rocks and plants. These bichirs prefer water temperatures between 75-82°F and slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.5-7.5). Because they are nocturnal, albino Senegal bichirs are more active at night and appreciate dimly lit tanks with hiding spots like caves and driftwood.
 

As carnivores, albino Senegal bichirs enjoy a diet of protein-rich foods such as live or frozen shrimp, fish, worms, and high-quality pellets. Their unique look, resilience, and easy-going temperament make albino Senegal bichirs a popular choice for aquarists, adding an exotic and prehistoric charm to large, peaceful community tanks.

The ornate bichir, Polypterus ornatipinnis, is a striking and unique freshwater fish known for its intricate pattern and prehistoric appearance. Native to the rivers and floodplains of Central and East Africa, the ornate bichir can grow up to 18-24 inches in captivity. This bichir is recognized for its dark body covered in pale, maze-like patterns and its spiny, segmented dorsal finlets, giving it a distinct "dragon-like" look that adds a fascinating visual appeal to aquariums.
 

Ornate bichirs are semi-predatory and primarily nocturnal, often hiding during the day and becoming more active at night. They are best kept in large aquariums of at least 90 gallons, with a tightly sealed lid to prevent escapes, as they are known to jump. These bichirs thrive in warm water temperatures between 75-82°F and prefer slightly acidic to neutral water (pH 6.5-7.5). Aquariums should have plenty of hiding spots, such as rocks and driftwood, and a sandy substrate to mimic their natural environment.
 

As carnivores, ornate bichirs have a diet of high-quality pellets and meaty foods like shrimp, fish, and earthworms. Their calm temperament, coupled with their unique and intricate pattern, makes ornate bichirs a popular choice for experienced aquarists looking to add a touch of ancient beauty to a large, species-specific tank or a carefully selected community of similarly sized, peaceful fish.

The Endlicheri bichir, Polypterus endlicheri, is a fascinating and primitive-looking freshwater fish native to the slow-moving rivers and marshlands of West and Central Africa. Known for itselongated, armor-like body and unique, prehistoric appearance, this bichir typically grows to around 24 inches or more in captivity, making it a larger and eye-catching species. Its body is covered with thick, rhomboid scales, and it has a series of dorsal finlets along its back, giving it a dragon-like look.
 

Endlicheri bichirs are semi-predatory and primarily nocturnal, spending much of the day hiding and becoming more active at night. They are best kept in large, well-covered aquariums (minimum 100 gallons) with plenty of hiding spots, such as caves and dense plant cover, as they can jump if startled. These bichirs prefer warm water temperatures between 75-82°F, with slightly acidic to neutral pH levels (6.5-7.5).
 

As carnivores, Endlicheri bichirs enjoy a diet of meaty foods, such as frozen or live shrimp, fish, and high-quality pellets. Their ancient lineage, unique appearance, and predatory yet calm demeanor make Endlicheri bichirs a popular choice among advanced aquarists, bringing a prehistoric charm and elegance to large, species-specific aquariums.

A longtime aquarium favorite, the Black Ghost Knifefish is a distinctive and unusual knifefish found throughout much of the Amazon and its major tributaries. A nocturnal and generally shy fish, like all knifefish they use a weak electrical discharge to sense their surroundings and find food. Although slow growing, they can reach the impressive size of 14″ or more and tend to prey on smaller fish as they grow. Black Ghost Knifefish are intelligent, often learning to eat from their owner’s hands or even to allow themselves to be “pet” once adapted to aquarium life. In the aquarium, they require plenty of cover, and may be outcompeted for food by more aggressive tankmates but are otherwise hardy and adaptable. This species is territorial, and generally best kept one per aquarium especially as adults.

One of the larger predatory fish found in the Amazon Basin, the Silver Arowana is part of an ancient family of fish known as the bonytongues. A highly adapted surface feeder, Arowana are usually found close to the water’s surface in heavily overgrown areas with lots of cover. They are incredible jumpers, with adults able to leap several feet out of the water, and need to be kept in securely covered aquariums. Due to their enormous adult size, the Silver Arowana is recommended only for dedicated aquarists who can accommodate these giants in either a large custom aquarium or even an indoor pond. Specimens offered for sale are acclimated to aquarium life and feeding well on frozen and prepared foods.