Dinosaur Bichir Full Grown: Size, Lifespan, Price & More
The dinosaur bichir is a fascinating fish that can live for over 20 years in an aquarium. But what is this fish like when it reaches its full adult size? In this guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about caring for a dinosaur bichir that has become fully grown.
About the Dinosaur Bichir
The dinosaur bichir (Polypterus senegalus) is a prehistoric-looking freshwater fish native to parts of Africa. It gets its name from its rows of bony scales along its body that make it resemble the plates of a stegosaurus dinosaur.
While most bichirs can reach over 3 feet long, the dinosaur bichir typically only grows to 12-18 inches as an adult.
Size at Full Growth
Fully grown, a dinosaur bichir will be close to its maximum size. Males tend to top out at around 12-14 inches total length while females reach 14-18 inches on average. In terms of height, expect a fully mature dinosaur bichir to measure 4-6 inches from head to tail.
Weight at Full Growth
At their full adult size, male dinosaur bichirs typically weigh in the range of 3/4 to 1 pound. Females are a bit larger and stockier, often weighing 1 to 11⁄4 pounds when fully mature.
Appearance at Full Growth
Physically, a fully grown dinosaur bichir will look very different than when it was a juvenile. As an adult, its scales will be thicker and more pronounced. The fins will be fuller and the tail more robust. The eyes of a mature bichir will also be higher on its elongated head compared to younger fish.
Personality at Full Growth
In terms of temperament, adult dinosaur bichirs tend to be more mellow and less prone to fin nipping compared to when they were sub-adults. However, they can still be territorial with other bichirs, so it's best to house only one per tank. Fully mature specimens also tend to be more nocturnal compared to younger bichirs.
Price of a Fully Grown Fish
Because they require such large aquariums and have a long lifespan, fully grown dinosaur bichirs command a higher price tag than juveniles. Expect to pay $75-150 on average for an adult specimen from a reputable breeder, depending on its exact size and gender.
Food and Feeding
At full size, a dinosaur bichir will need more substantial food than when it was smaller. Adults can be fed 1-2 times daily. Provide them with foods like feeder guppies, feeder goldfish, ocean shrimp, earthworms (pre-cut in pieces), and even small crayfish when available. Make sure food items do not exceed the width between the bichir's eyes.
Lifespan
With ideal care conditions, dinosaur bichirs can live 20-25+ years, though 15-20 years is more typical. Of course, providing your fully grown bichir with a large, well-maintained aquarium and a varied diet will help it achieve its full natural lifespan potential.
Health at Full Growth
Some common health issues to watch for in fully adult dinosaur bichirs include wound infections from territorial scrapes with other fish, constipation from poor diet, and occasionally tumors or organ damage from poor water quality long-term. Proper nourishment and routine maintenance like water changes will help keep a mature bichir in optimal health.
Care and Nutrition
At full size, a dinosaur bichir will need an aquarium no smaller than 55-75 gallons by itself. It's a good idea to invest in a canister filter capable of handling heavy bio loads. Water changes of 20-30% weekly will be necessary. Continue to provide a varied, meaty diet as mentioned above. Additionally, fully grown specimens will need occasional feeds of vitamin and mineral supplements to avoid deficiencies.
Potential Behavior Changes
Compared to younger fish, fully matured dinosaur bichirs may demonstrate more boldness and activity during daylight hours. They also tend to claim and defend territories more vigorously against any tankmates. Proper aquarium sizing and hiding spaces will help reduce stressful territorial behaviors as adults.
Notable Characteristics
Some unique attributes of large, adult dinosaur bichirs include their highly developed senses of smell and electroreception. Their mouths also contain teeth bands well-suited for hunting and crushing prey items.
Additionally, mature females may demonstrate some breeding coloration like a deeper red underside when ready to spawn.
When is it Considered Fully Grown?
Most ichthyologists consider a dinosaur bichir to have reached sexual maturity and full adulthood once it measures 12-14 inches in total length and has developed its definitive adult appearance and features. For females, this is usually within 2-3 years, while males may achieve full size in just 18 months to 2 years.
Suitability as a Pet
While they make intriguing additions for the experienced aquarist, fully grown dinosaur bichirs are probably not suitable as pets for most casual households.
Their large size demands substantial aquarium space and equipment. They also tend to become more territorial and predacious towards tankmates as adults.
For these reasons, juvenile bichirs may be a better option depending on an owner's long-term commitment.
Cost of Keeping a Fully Grown Fish
In addition to the higher up-front cost of purchasing a large, established adult dinosaur bichir, ongoing costs are substantial compared to housing smaller fish. Plan for a large aquarium system like a 75-125 gallon tank.
Budget for bi-weekly large water changes, powerful canister filters, lighting, supplemental foods, routine medical needs, and contingencies like equipment failures over the 15-25 year lifespan.
All-in, maintaining a fully grown dinosaur bichir properly can cost $500-$1000 annually or more depending on unforeseen expenses. Their long natural lifespan necessitates serious financial and time commitments from owners over many years.
