Green Bichir

A medium sized member of the so-called “upper jaw” complex of Polypterus, the Zaire Green Bichir is a relatively new species to the trade which after examination by scientists was determined to be the true P. retropinnis (while most specimens in the trade sold as P. retropinnis before this were actually the newly described species P. mokelembebe). Originating from moderate to fast-flowing waters in the Congo River basin in Central Africa, 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.