Description

Mokele-mbembe Bichir (Polypterus mokelembembe):

Care Guide:

• • Scientific Name: Polypterus mokelembembe
  • Common Name: Mokele-mbembe Bichir, Mokele Bichir
  • Care Level: Medium
  • Temperament: Semi-aggressive (predatory towards smaller tank mates)
  • Maximum Size: 25–30 cm (10–12 inches)—one of the smaller, manageable bichir species
  • Lifespan: 10–15+ years

• • Temperature: 25°C to 28°C is optimal.
  • pH Range: 6.0–7.5 (prefers neutral to slightly acidic water).
  • Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (4–12 dGH).
  • Aquarium Size: Minimum 200 litres for a single adult specimen; the footprint (length and width) of the tank is far more critical than the depth.

• • Escape Prevention: A tightly fitting lid is mandatory. Bichirs are notorious escape artists capable of squeezing through tiny gaps or jumping out of the tank entirely.
  • Atmospheric Access: They possess modified swim bladders that function like primitive lungs. They must have regular, unobstructed access to the water surface to gulp atmospheric air.
  • Substrate: Use smooth, fine sand or rounded gravel. Avoid sharp substrate materials that could scratch their bellies as they crawl along the bottom.
  • Hardscape: Provide ample hiding places using large PVC pipes, smooth rock caves, and extensive driftwood roots to mimic their natural riverine shelter.
  • Vegetation: They are completely safe with live plants. Robust species such as Java Fern or Anubias are ideal, as they can withstand the physical weight of a heavy fish resting on them.

• • Polypterus mokelembembe is a strict carnivore and a nocturnal ambush predator.
  • Live and Frozen Foods: Feed a varied diet of earthworms, bloodworms, Mysis shrimp, chopped white fish fillets, and krill.
  • Prepared Foods: Once settled, they can be trained to accept high-quality sinking carnivore pellets, which should be offered just before the aquarium lights turn off. [1]

• • Bottom Dweller: They spend the majority of their time resting or pacing along the bottom of the aquarium, using their pectoral fins like legs to crawl.
  • Predatory Nature: They are peaceful towards fish that are too large to be swallowed. However, any tank mate small enough to fit inside their mouths will be hunted and eaten at night.
  • Compatible Tank Mates: Suitable choices include medium-to-large cichlids (such as Severums), large tetras (like Congo Tetras), Synodontis catfish, and Loricariid plecs. They can be kept with other similar-sized bichirs provided there are enough hiding spots to prevent territorial squabbles.

• Breeding in the home aquarium is exceptionally rare and poorly documented for this specific species.
• In nature, spawning is triggered by the onset of the rainy season, involving changes in water chemistry and temperature.
• The male uses his modified, cup-like anal fin to catch the eggs deposited by the female before scattering them into dense vegetation or leaf litter. They display no parental care post-spawning.

Our delivery days are as follows:

Please put your desired delivery day in the Order Notes on the Checkout page.