Common Name: Mokele-Mbembe Bichir
Scientific Name: Polypterus mokolembembe
Other Names: Moke Bichir
The Mokele-Mbembe Bichir is a unique and captivating freshwater fish known for its elongated, snake-like body and distinctive fin structure. Its body is typically dark brown to olive green, providing excellent camouflage in its natural habitat. This species is named after the legendary creature Mokele-Mbembe, believed by some to inhabit the Congo River Basin.
Habitat and Distribution:
The Mokele-Mbembe Bichir is native to the Congo River Basin in Central Africa, particularly in the countries of the Democratic Republic of Congo and surrounding regions. These fish inhabit slow-moving rivers, swamps, and floodplains with dense vegetation and muddy substrates. The natural habitat provides plenty of hiding spots among submerged plants and debris.
Size and Lifespan:
In both the wild and captivity, Mokele-Mbembe Bichirs can grow up to 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) in length. With proper care, their lifespan can range from 15 to 20 years, depending on the quality of their diet and water conditions.
Diet and Behavior:
Mokele-Mbembe Bichirs are carnivorous, feeding primarily on small fish, invertebrates, and other meaty foods in their natural habitat. In an aquarium, their diet should include high-quality carnivorous pellets, live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and small pieces of fish or shrimp. These bichirs are nocturnal and most active during the night, using their keen sense of smell to locate prey. They are generally peaceful but can be predatory towards smaller tank mates, so they are best kept with similarly sized or larger, non-aggressive fish.
Breeding and Reproduction:
Breeding Mokele-Mbembe Bichirs in captivity is challenging and rarely achieved. Little is documented about their breeding habits in the wild. They are believed to be egg scatterers, laying their eggs among dense vegetation. To encourage breeding, provide plenty of hiding spots and maintain optimal water conditions with regular water changes. Successful breeding typically requires very large, well-maintained tanks with specific water parameters.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements:
Due to their large size and active nature, Mokele-Mbembe Bichirs require a very large aquarium, with a minimum of 100-150 gallons recommended for adult specimens. The tank should have a soft, sandy or fine gravel substrate to prevent injury to their delicate barbels. Include plenty of hiding spots created with rocks, driftwood, and dense vegetation to mimic their natural habitat and reduce stress. Efficient filtration and regular water changes are essential to maintain water quality. The water temperature should be kept between 75-82°F (24-28°C), with a pH of 6.5-7.5 and soft to moderately hard water.
Ideal Tank Mates:
Mokele-Mbembe Bichirs can be kept with other large, peaceful fish that share similar water parameter requirements. Suitable tank mates include other large bichirs, larger catfish, and similarly sized robust fish. Avoid housing them with small or delicate species that may become targets of predation.
Difficulty Level:
Intermediate to Advanced. Keeping Mokele-Mbembe Bichirs requires a deep understanding of their needs, including their large size, nocturnal behavior, and specific water quality requirements. They are best suited for experienced aquarists with the space and resources to provide proper care.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
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pH: 6.5-7.5
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General Hardness (GH): 5-15 dGH
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Carbonate Hardness (KH): 4-10 dKH
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Ammonia: 0 ppm (ideal)
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Nitrite: 0 ppm (ideal)
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Nitrate: <20 ppm (ideal)
Additional Information:
- The Mokele-Mbembe Bichir’s elongated body and unique fin structure make it a striking addition to any large aquarium.
- They are known for their nocturnal behavior, often hiding during the day and becoming more active at night.
- Fun fact: Mokele-Mbembe Bichirs can breathe atmospheric air due to a modified swim bladder, allowing them to survive in low-oxygen environments.
