Bichir is not kosher according to Jewish dietary law. Has fins but lacks the true removable scales required for a kosher fish, so bichir is not kosher.

What is the scientific name of Bichir?

The scientific name of Bichir is Polypterus.

Does Bichir have fins and scales?

Bichir does not meet the requirement of having both fins and removable scales. Leviticus 11:9-12 requires fish to have both fins and scales to be considered kosher.

Can I eat Bichir sushi or sashimi?

No. Since Bichir is not kosher, it should not be consumed in any preparation, including sushi or sashimi.

Where can I find more information about whether Bichir is kosher?

KosherFish.co references the Orthodox Union (OU) and Chabad lists of kosher and non-kosher fish. For specific halachic questions, consult your local Orthodox rabbi.

Bichir

Polypterus

Not Kosher

Has fins but no scales

Fins Yes

Scales No

Description

Bichirs live in freshwater across tropical Africa and the Nile River system, mostly in swampy, shallow floodplains and estuaries. They have a body covered in thick, bony, rhombic ganoid scales, fleshy pectoral fins, and paired ventral lungs plus spiracles on the head that let them breathe air.

Also known as

dragon bichir
dragon fin

Bichir in foreign languages

Scientific	Polypterus
Arabic	بشير متعدد الزعانف
French	Polyptères
German	Eigentliche Flösselhechte
Russian	Многопёры
Turkish	Bişir
Chinese	多鳍鱼属
Japanese	ポリプテルス
Korean	폴립테루스속
Vietnamese	Chi Cá khủng long vàng
Thai	ปลาบิเชียร์
Indonesian	Palmas

Warnings & Kosher Issues

Bichirs have fins, but their armor-like ganoid scales don't detach the way kosher law requires, so they are not kosher.
Sold in pet shops as 'dragon bichir' or 'dragon fin' for a more appealing name.