Teugelsi Polypterus (7”)

Scientific Name: Polypterus teugelsi

Maximum Size and Lifespan:
Polypterus teugelsi can grow up to around 24 inches in length, though most specimens in captivity remain slightly smaller. With proper care, they can live 15–20 years in aquaria.

Recommended Aquarium Size, Water Changes, and Water Parameters:
Due to their large adult size and active bottom-dwelling behavior, a minimum of 75 gallons  is recommended for a single adult. 90-125+ Gallons for a group/polypterus community tank

They require a tight-fitting lid as they are strong jumpers and need access to surface air. Weekly water changes of 30–40% help maintain water quality.

• Temperature: 25–28°C (77–82°F)

• pH: 6.0–7.5
  

• Filtration: Strong, with good oxygenation and gentle flow.

Tankmates:
Best housed with other large, robust, non-aggressive fish that will not fit into its mouth. Suitable tankmates include bichirs of similar size, large peaceful cichlids, datnoids, arowana, silver dollars, and large catfish. Avoid fin-nippers and small fish species, as they may be eaten.

Diet:
Polypterus teugelsi is a predatory carnivore. In captivity, it accepts a variety of meaty foods:

• Frozen Shrimp and Bloodworms

• High-quality sinking carnivore pellets
  

A varied diet ensures proper nutrition and growth.

Overview:
The Teugelsi Polypterus is one of the rarer bichir species in the hobby, prized for its striking color—elongated body, distinct dorsal finlets, and heavy armor-like scales. Like all bichirs, it is a “living fossil,” retaining primitive traits such as paired lung-like organs for surface breathing. Its behavior is mostly nocturnal and sedentary, though it will explore the bottom and mid-levels of the aquarium, especially at feeding time.

Natural Environment:
P. teugelsi is native to Cameroon and surrounding regions in Central Africa, inhabiting slow-moving rivers, swampy areas, and floodplains. These environments feature soft substrates, submerged wood, and dense vegetation, providing cover and hunting grounds for ambush predation.

Breeding:
Captive breeding is extremely rare and poorly documented for Polypterus teugelsi. In the wild, bichirs spawn during seasonal floods, where males court females by nudging and wrapping their anal fin around the female’s vent to catch eggs during release. Eggs are scattered among vegetation or substrate. Rearing fry requires specialized care, as they are predatory from a young age and need live foods such as baby fish or insect larvae.