{"product_id":"copy-of-l237-red-titanic-pleco","title":"Ornate Polypterus (Polypterus ornatipinnis)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Overview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ornate polypterus (\u003cem\u003ePolypterus ornatipinnis\u003c\/em\u003e) is one of the most striking bichirs. Its alternating bands of black and cream and row of dorsal finlets give it an ancient appearance. These fish can breathe atmospheric oxygen thanks to a modified swim bladder and can survive brief periods out of water if kept moist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Setup\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide a minimum 90‑gallon aquarium with a secure lid; bichirs are escape artists.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater:\u003c\/strong\u003e Maintain temperatures of 75–82 °F and a pH of 6.5–7.5. Moderate flow and robust filtration keep the water clean.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDécor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use sand or smooth gravel and include caves, driftwood and dense planting around the edges. Leave open areas for prowling.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFeeding and Behaviour\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrnate bichirs are carnivorous bottom‑dwellers. Feed sinking carnivore pellets, prawns, earthworms and pieces of fish. They are generally solitary but can coexist with other bichirs and large, non‑aggressive fish. Avoid small fish that may be eaten.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBichirs breathe air periodically, so ensure access to the surface. Adding robust \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/monsteraquariumon9.com\/pages\/live-plants-for-fish-tanks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003elive plants for fish tanks\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e along the tank perimeter creates shade and improves water quality without impeding their movement. With proper care, these ancient fish live for decades and make fascinating additions to large tanks.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"monsteraquariumonline","offers":[{"title":"2”-3\"","offer_id":41599739855057,"sku":"","price":30.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"3\"-4\"","offer_id":43218732056785,"sku":null,"price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"6-7”","offer_id":40848379936977,"sku":"","price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"8-9”","offer_id":41422761722065,"sku":"","price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"13-15”","offer_id":42166599844049,"sku":"","price":399.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0615\/9135\/5601\/products\/IMG_2117.heic?v=1648867877","url":"https:\/\/www.monsteraquariumonline.com\/products\/copy-of-l237-red-titanic-pleco","provider":"monsteraquariumonline","version":"1.0","type":"link"}