Pronunciation: [bˈɪt͡ʃi͡ə] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the word "Bichir" is often mistyped. According to its IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /ˈbɪtʃər/, with emphasis on the second syllable. The initial letter "B" is pronounced /b/, followed by a short "I" sound /ɪ/ and a "tʃ" sound /tʃər/. Not to be confused with "Bicher" or "Bisher," which are common misspellings of the word, it actually refers to a type of freshwater fish typically found in Africa.
Bichir, also known as the Senegal bichir or the dinosaur eel, is a genus of fish belonging to the family Polypteridae. They are freshwater fish primarily found in various river systems across Africa.
The bichir is characterized by its elongated body, which can reach lengths of up to 60 centimeters. It has a cylindrical shape, covered in thick, bony scales and a snake-like appearance. The fish possesses a pair of pectoral fins and a single dorsal fin that runs along its back, starting from the head region down to the tail. Additionally, it has large, bulging eyes located on the sides of its head.
Bichirs are known for their ability to breathe air, thanks to the presence of a modified swim bladder that functions as a lung. This allows them to survive in oxygen-deprived conditions and even crawl short distances on land. They have a primitive lungfish-like respiratory system, which enables them to supplement their oxygen intake from gills with air from the surface.
These fish are carnivorous and primarily feed on small invertebrates, insects, crustaceans, and occasionally small fish. Due to their predatory nature, they are solitary creatures which spend most of their time hiding in vegetation or burrowing in the substrate, emerging only to feed.
Bichirs are considered as living fossils due to their ancient lineage, dating back over 100 million years. They have remained relatively unchanged throughout evolution, displaying primitive characteristics similar to their ancestors. Bichirs have gained popularity among aquarium enthusiasts due to their unique appearance and interesting behaviors. However, they require specific care and a spacious tank to accommodate their size and behaviors.
The word "Bichir" is believed to have originated from the Arabic term "Bysheer" or "Birsheer". In Arabic, "Bysheer" refers to a type of weapon, specifically a kind of javelin or spear. This term may have been adopted to describe the species of fish known as Bichirs due to their long, spear-like shape resembling a javelin. Over time, this term was anglicized to "Bichir" and has become the common name for these fish in English.
