How big does the ornate bichir get?

It grows to about 60 cm, making it the largest of the upper-jaw bichir species.

Can the ornate bichir breathe air?

Yes, it has a primitive pair of lungs that lets it breathe air in low-oxygen water and survive out of water for a while.

Bichirポリプテルス

Polypterus ornatipinnisLC— Least Concern

The ornate bichir (Polypterus ornatipinnis) is an ancient, air-breathing fish native to the Congo River basin and Lake Tanganyika in Central and East Africa. Growing up to about 60 cm, it is the largest of the upper-jaw bichirs and is easily recognized by its dark brown body covered in fine yellow-white spots. A primitive pair of lungs lets it breathe air in low-oxygen water and survive out of water for extended periods, and it is popular in the aquarium trade. It is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Bichir (reference photo) — Photo: MusikAnimal / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Source / cropped

Species Data

Classification: Polypteriformes / Polypteridae Source
Size: Body length up to about 60 cm (the largest of the bichirs with a protruding upper jaw)
Diet: Carnivore Carnivorous, preying on insects, crustaceans, small fish, and frogs
Distribution: Native to Lake Tanganyika and the Congo River basin across Central and East Africa, including the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Tanzania. Source
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org

Did You Know?

Its dark brown body covered in fine yellow-white spots, with 9 to 11 dorsal spines, gives it the aquarium-trade nickname "fancy bichir." Source
It has a primitive pair of lungs, letting it breathe air in low-oxygen water and even survive out of water for extended periods. Source

Where to See This Species

Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 1

NIFRELOsakaOpened in 2015

Source

Conservation Story

Conservation Status

Least Concern (LC)

Sources

en.wikipedia.org

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FAQ

How big does the ornate bichir get?: It grows to about 60 cm, making it the largest of the upper-jaw bichir species. Source
Can the ornate bichir breathe air?: Yes, it has a primitive pair of lungs that lets it breathe air in low-oxygen water and survive out of water for a while. Source
Where does the ornate bichir live in the wild?: It is native to the Congo River basin and Lake Tanganyika in Central and East Africa. Source
How many operating facilities are registered here?: Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 1 Source

Books & gear

Source: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org