
Shortfin Bichir
Polypterus palmas palmas
The Shortfin Bichir (Polypterus palmas palmas) is a tropical freshwater fish of the family Polypteridae. It lives on the bottom. It grows to 35.3 cm (standard length, tail fin excluded). The IUCN Red List rates it Least Concern. In the aquarium it is kept at 25–28 °C.
- Size
- 35.3 cmstandard length, tail fin excluded
- Temperature
- 25–28 °C
- pH
- 6.0–7.0
- Tank footprint
- 120 × 45 cm
In the aquarium
Temperature25–28 °C
pH6.0–7.0
Hardness5–15 °dGH
In the wild
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Climate zone
- Tropical
- Habitat
- On the bottom
- Aquarium trade
- Traded commercially
Conservation status
Classification
- OrderPolypteriformes
- FamilyPolypteridae
- GenusPolypterus
- SpeciesPolypterus palmas palmas
Quick answers
- Shortfin Bichir size: how big does it get?
- It grows to 35.3 cm (standard length, tail fin excluded).
- Shortfin Bichir tank size: what is the minimum?
- A tank with a footprint of at least 120 × 45 cm.
- Shortfin Bichir water parameters: what does it need?
- Temperature 25–28 °C, pH 6.0–7.0, hardness 5–15 °dGH.
- Shortfin Bichir: is it endangered?
- The IUCN Red List rates it Least Concern.
Related species
Sources
The figures on this page are compiled from the references below.







