Retropinnis bichir Care Guide

The Retropinnis bichir is a fascinating aquatic entity that requires careful attention and appropriate conditions to thrive in any home aquarium. Below are detailed guidelines for proper care, including feeding, tank setup, and maintenance recommendations.

Care Requirements

The Retropinnis bichir is considered to have moderate hardiness and presents a challenging level of care, requiring a degree of experience. They have an aggressive temperament and display moderately territorial behavior, especially during breeding when they become slightly more aggressive. They are moderately popular amongst aquarists due to their unique appearance and behavior.

Tank Setup

These fish reach a length of 30 to 60 cm, therefore, they require a spacious tank setup to accommodate their size and behavioral needs. It is recommended to provide a minimum of 75 liters of water per fish. The Retropinnis bichir prefers a bottom-dwelling habitat, so ensure that the substrate and tank design accommodate this preference. The tank's pH should be maintained between 6.5 and 8, and the temperature range should be kept between 22°C and 28°C.

Feeding

The Retropinnis bichir is not a picky eater and enjoys a varied diet. They can be fed flakes, pellets, bloodworms, brine shrimp, tubifex worms, frozen shrimp, vegetable matter, algae wafers, color-enhancing food, daphnia, micro worms, and stick-on tablets. They can also consume feeder fish. Offering a diverse menu will ensure proper nutrition and health for your bichirs.

Social Behavior

Though the Retropinnis bichir can be semi-aggressive, they can coexist with other relatively peaceful fish if given sufficient space. Be cautious when selecting tank mates and avoid introducing small species that may be perceived as prey.

Water Quality and Maintenance

Retropinnis bichir care involves moderate maintenance. Regular water changes and high-quality filtration are crucial to maintain optimal water quality, especially since these fish produce significant waste. Monitor water parameters regularly to ensure they remain within the ideal range for pH and temperature.

By following these care guidelines, aquarists can create a thriving environment for the Retropinnis bichir, ensuring they enjoy a healthy and enriching life in the tank.