Platinum Endlicheri Bichir Care Guide – How to Keep This Rare White Dinosaur Fish Thriving in Your Aquarium

Introduction: A Living Fossil in Glowing White

The Platinum Endlicheri Bichir (Polypterus endlicheri endlicheri – platinum morph) is a stunning albino variant of one of the most powerful bichirs in the aquarium trade. Known for its ghostly white body, armored scales, and prehistoric appearance, this fish looks like it swam out of the dinosaur age.

It is not only incredibly rare, but also deeply respected by monster fish collectors for its size, strength, and elegant movements. While the standard Endlicheri is a favorite among predatory fish keepers, the platinum morph elevates it to centerpiece status.

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🔍 Species Overview

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🏠 Tank Setup Requirements

📏 Tank Size

• Minimum: 125 gallons

• Ideal: 180+ gallons for full-grown adults

Bichirs are bottom dwellers, so prioritize tank footprint over height. These fish require ample space to move and grow.

🪨 Tank Décor Tips

• Soft sand or smooth gravel substrate

• Driftwood, caves, and large stones for cover

• Floating plants to dim light and reduce stress

• Secure lid – bichirs are escape artists!

Platinum bichirs prefer dim lighting due to their sensitive eyes and white pigmentation.

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💧 Water Parameters

Use a canister or sump filter with minimal current and weekly 25–40% water changes. Clean water enhances their glow and longevity.

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🍽️ Diet & Feeding Guide

Platinum Endlicheris are carnivorous ambush predators. They prefer meaty foods and will eagerly accept both live and frozen offerings.

✅ Best Foods:

• Frozen shrimp

• Silversides or tilapia chunks

• Bloodworms (for juveniles)

• Earthworms

• High-protein sinking pellets (NorthFin, Hikari)

• Occasional live feeder fish (quarantined)

Feed once a day or every other day. Remove uneaten food to prevent decay.

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🧠 Behavior & Personality

• Peaceful toward top-dwelling fish, but may eat anything that fits in their mouth

• Nocturnal, but can adapt to feeding schedules

• Intelligent and interactive with consistent care

• Can breathe atmospheric air – they gulp at the surface occasionally

• Known for slow, elegant swimming and resting on tank decor

Platinum Endlicheris are ideal for calm predator tanks with large, non-nippy tank mates.

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👫 Tank Mate Compatibility

Platinum Endlicheris are solitary but tolerant of large, peaceful species. Avoid aggressive or fast-moving fish that may outcompete them at feeding time.

✅ Compatible Tank Mates:

• Arowanas

• Clown Knifefish

• Datnoids

• Large Plecos

• Ornate Bichirs

• Oscars (similar size)

• Catfish (Sturisoma, larger Synodontis)

❌ Avoid:

• Small fish under 4”

• Aggressive cichlids (e.g., Red Devils, Jaguar Cichlids)

• Bottom-feeder species that might stress or outcompete them

• Fin-nippers

One bichir per tank is recommended unless you're highly experienced and have lots of space.

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🧬 Growth & Development

• Juveniles grow rapidly in the first year

• Can reach 12 inches within 12–18 months

• Maximum adult size is typically 24–30 inches

• Long lifespan: up to 20 years with proper care

• Color improves with high-quality food and clean water

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🌟 Unique Features

• Rare platinum (albino) coloration with pink eyes

• Prehistoric appearance – a true living fossil

• Massive size, heavy armor plating, and serpent-like movement

• Low light needs make them great for dim or dark setups

• Captivates predator fish collectors and monster fish fans

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💲 Why Buy from RobsAquatics.com?

• Top-quality albino morphs from trusted breeders

• Quarantined and feeding on frozen/prepared food

• Live Arrival Guarantee with safe, insulated shipping

• Expert advice and personal support for monster fish care

• Limited stock due to high rarity and demand

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🧠 Final Thoughts

The Platinum Endlicheri Bichir is the pinnacle of prehistoric fishkeeping. It's not just a predator — it’s a glowing, armored relic that will mesmerize both beginner and expert aquarists alike. If you want a low-maintenance monster fish with unmatched visual appeal, this is the one.

Perfect for:

• Predator aquariums

• Rare fish collectors

• Bichir fanatics

• Advanced hobbyists with large tanks

• Those building high-end display setups

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📢 Call to Action

👉 Get your Platinum Endlicheri Bichir now at RobsAquatics.com and add this legendary white dragon to your monster fish collection.