Faranah Bichir (Polypterus lapradei)Introduction:The Faranah Bichir (Polypterus lapradei), often referred to as the "Lapradei Bichir," is a prehistoric-looking freshwater fish that belongs to the Polypteridae family. Known for its elongated body, distinctive dorsal finlets, and rugged appearance, the Faranah Bichir is a favorite among aquarists who are looking for a unique, hardy predator. Originating from the waters of West Africa, particularly the Faranah region in Guinea, this species thrives in larger aquariums. In this guide, we’ll explore their natural habitat, tank requirements, diet, and suitable tank mates to ensure the best care for your Faranah Bichir.1. Natural Habitat and Behavior of Faranah BichirNatural Habitat: In the wild, Faranah Bichirs inhabit slow-moving rivers, lakes, and swamps with muddy or sandy substrates. These environments are typically densely vegetated and offer plenty of hiding spots among roots and aquatic plants. They are primarily nocturnal predators, preying on smaller fish and invertebrates.Behavior in Captivity: In an aquarium, Faranah Bichirs are bottom dwellers that display calm yet predatory behaviors. They are known for their ability to breathe atmospheric air, allowing them to survive in low-oxygen waters. Despite their ancient appearance and size, they are relatively slow-moving and prefer to spend their time hiding or slowly exploring the tank, especially during the night.2. Ideal Tank Setup for Faranah BichirTank Size: A minimum of 75 gallons is required for a Faranah Bichir, but larger tanks of 100 gallons or more are recommended due to their adult size, which can reach up to 24 inches (60 cm). The extra space allows them to swim comfortably and explore the bottom of the tank.Substrate and Décor: Use a soft, sandy substrate to mimic their natural habitat and avoid injuring their sensitive underbelly. Provide plenty of hiding spots using driftwood, caves, and dense plants. These fish enjoy a well-structured tank with areas to explore and shelter.Water Conditions: Faranah Bichirs thrive in water with a pH of 6.5 to 7.8 and a temperature between 75°F and 82°F. The water should be well-filtered, but it’s important to ensure there are areas of slow water movement, as they prefer calm environments. A tight-fitting lid is crucial since they are known escape artists and can jump out of the tank if given the chance.Lighting: Keep lighting moderate to low, as Faranah Bichirs are more active in dimly lit conditions. Low lighting also helps to reduce stress and encourages their natural nocturnal behavior.3. Diet and Feeding for Faranah BichirCarnivorous Diet: In the wild, Faranah Bichirs are opportunistic predators, feeding on smaller fish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates. In captivity, they should be provided with a high-protein diet to mimic their natural eating habits.Supplemental Foods: Offer a variety of meaty foods such as live or frozen shrimp, bloodworms, earthworms, and feeder fish. They also accept high-quality sinking carnivore pellets. Variety is key to ensuring they receive all the nutrients they need.Feeding Schedule: Feed your Faranah Bichir every two to three days, as they do not need to be fed daily. Monitor their eating habits to prevent overfeeding, which can lead to health issues.4. Compatibility with Other Tank InhabitantsSuitable Tank Mates: Faranah Bichirs are best kept with similarly sized or larger, non-aggressive fish. Suitable tank mates include larger cichlids, bichirs, and other robust, peaceful species like catfish. Since they are predatory, avoid housing them with small fish or invertebrates, which they may view as food.Incompatible Species: Avoid keeping Faranah Bichirs with small or delicate fish, as they may become a meal. Additionally, do not house them with aggressive species that might stress or harass them, such as overly territorial cichlids.Solo or Group Housing: While Faranah Bichirs can be kept with other bichirs or large fish, they also do well when housed alone. If you plan to keep more than one, ensure the tank is large enough to prevent territorial disputes, and provide multiple hiding spots to reduce stress.5. Common Challenges and Tips for Keeping Faranah BichirEscape Risks: One of the main challenges in keeping Faranah Bichirs is their tendency to escape the tank. Always use a tight-fitting lid, as they can easily slip through small openings.Water Quality: Although Faranah Bichirs are hardy and can survive in various water conditions, maintaining clean water is essential to prevent infections and illnesses. Regular water changes and good filtration will keep them healthy.Feeding Issues: Some Faranah Bichirs may be slow to accept prepared foods when first introduced to an aquarium. Patience is key, and offering live or frozen foods initially can help them transition to a varied diet.Conclusion:The Faranah Bichir (Polypterus lapradei) is an impressive and ancient-looking fish that offers a unique addition to any large aquarium. With proper care, a spacious tank, and a balanced diet, they can thrive in captivity and become a show-stopping centerpiece in your setup. Their prehistoric appearance and peaceful nature make them an exciting option for aquarists looking to diversify their collection. Whether kept alone or with other large, non-aggressive fish, the Faranah Bichir is a captivating species well worth the care it requires This species get to a maximum size of 30" in the natural environment.
