Senegal bichir
Ancient African fish that breathes air and walks on land
The Senegal bichir is a primitive ray-finned fish from tropical Africa. It possesses lung-like organs for breathing air and armored scales. Aquarists keep it for its unique appearance and ability to survive out of water.
- Can breathe atmospheric air using primitive lungs
- Uses pectoral fins to walk on land
- Armored scales inspire protective gear research
- Predatory nature requires careful tankmate selection
- Juveniles possess external gills that disappear with age
What it is
This elongated fish has a cylindrical body covered in hard, rhomboid scales. Its colour ranges from grey and beige to white or blueish hues. The head features a smooth, rounded snout with protruding nostrils and pale yellow eyes. A serrated dorsal fin runs along the back, ending at a pointed tail. Large paddle-like pectoral fins sit behind the gills. These fins help it move slowly and gracefully. Males are smaller than females and have thicker anal fins. It possesses primitive lungs instead of a swim bladder.
Where it lives
It inhabits lakes, river margins, swamps and floodplains across tropical Africa. The range includes the Nile basin and West African systems like the Senegal, Niger and Congo rivers. It occurs in at least twenty-six countries. This species can survive out of water if its skin stays moist. It uses its strong pectoral fins to walk on land when necessary.
How it lives
The Senegal bichir is an opportunistic ambush predator. It hunts small vertebrates, insects and crustaceans using suction feeding. Poor eyesight means it relies on smell and movement detection. It moves cautiously, often hiding before striking. In captivity, it eats any tankmate small enough to swallow. It is active during the day, exploring and scavenging. At night, it rests near the bottom. Socially, individuals may follow one another through their environment.
Breeding and life cycle
Breeding occurs during the rainy season in the wild. The male chases and nudges the female during courtship. She lays between 100 and 300 eggs over a few days. The male cups his fins around her genitals to receive and fertilize the eggs. He then scatters them among vegetation. Hatching takes three to four days. Juveniles have external gills that vanish as they mature.
Fish and people
Aquarists value this fish for its ancient look and air-breathing trait. It is commonly kept in home aquariums. Owners must avoid keeping it with small fish, as it is predatory. Tankmates should be at least three inches long. Its armored skin has inspired research into personal protective gear. Scientists study its ability to walk on land. It can live up to fifteen years in captivity.
Questions people ask about Senegal bichir
Is the Senegal bichir an eel?
No, it is not an eel. It is a ray-finned fish in the family Polypteridae. The name dinosaur eel is a misnomer based on its elongated shape.
Can this fish live out of water?
Yes, provided its skin remains moist. It can stay out of water indefinitely and uses its large pectoral fins to walk on land.
What does the Senegal bichir eat?
It feeds on small vertebrates, insects and crustaceans. It is an ambush predator that swallows prey whole. In tanks, it will eat any fish small enough to fit in its mouth.
Good reading and sources
- Polypterus senegalus on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Polypterus senegalus", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryFish rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.
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