Delhezi Bichir

Delhezi Bichir (Polypterus delhezi)
A prehistoric-looking predator with striking banded patterns and loads of personality for large aquariums

The Delhezi Bichir is a fascinating and hardy species, known for its dinosaur-like appearance, armored scales, and distinctive black-and-yellow banding. Native to the Congo River Basin, this bottom-dwelling predator is nocturnal, slow-moving, and incredibly unique to watch as it glides along the substrate. Delhezi Bichirs require a spacious, well-covered tank (they are escape artists) with hiding spots and a meaty diet. While generally peaceful toward similar-sized tankmates, they will eat anything small enough to fit in their mouth.

Need to Know:

• Recommended For: Large predator or oddball aquariums

• Minimum Tank Size: 300 litres

• Temperature Range: 24–28°C

• pH Range: 6.5–7.5

• Recommended School Size: Can be kept singly or with other bichirs of similar size

• Compatibility: Peaceful with large tankmates; predatory toward small fish

• Max Size: 35–45 cm

Shipping Disclaimer:

All fish are usually shipped on Monday or Tuesday mornings via an overnight courier. We use NZ Couriers for all livestock shipping, we find they handle your fish with the best possible care and have quick overnight delivery nationwide.

Special Requests:

If you have any requests for gender/colour etc we will do our best to accommodate them. Please note we can not always accommodate every request due to high stock turnover and what is available at the time. We move all fish sold online into separate holding tanks while they wait to be shipped.

Rural Shipping:

Good news! If you are a rural customer, we can still ship fish to you. Your order will be shipped to your nearest NZ Couriers Depot or Collect/Send Point and you will be phoned once it arrives. You can find your nearest depot/point here: https://nzcextras.co.nz/nearestlocation/