Mixed advice on Cuvier's Bichir (Senegal Bichir, dragonfish,

[afjeffrey]

Hi all -
I just purchased two beautiful immature albino Cuvier's Bichir (aka Senagalese Bichir, white dragonfish, polypterus senegali) from a New York City Chinatown fishstore. They are some of the most beautiful fish I've ever owned. They seem to be highly prized by the Chinese community here.

One thing: I'm getting mixed messages about whether these fish enjoy a saline, brackish environment like the one enjoyed by a colombian shark or a bumblebee goby? The local owner says yes, but I'm not quite so sure. My current specific gravity is 1.005. Does anyone know about whether these fish have [acronym:cdafc105de="Specific gravity"]SG[/acronym:cdafc105de] needs? Many, many thanks.

[RoK]

I'm pretty sure they are fully freshwater fish. I've never heard anything about them needing any salt in their water.

[Toirtis]

No, Polypterus senegalus...the Senegal bichir, like all bichirs, are completely freshwater fish....they will tolerate a very small amount of salt (as in a tablespoon/gallon, as used as a general tonic), but not enough to make the water even lightly brackish.

By the by, congratulations on your purchase....I have several Senegals myself, two of them albinos.

[afjeffrey]

Many thanks for the advice. This'll be a great excuse to start a new tank for them. They are gorgeous fish and wouldn't want them ruined by the salinity.