Polypterus congicus, the Congo bichir, is a species of bichir with a maximum recorded size of 970mm. The colour also varies from yellowish brown to grey, darker in the top, paler in the ventral area. It has a pattern of around 8 irregular vertical bands along the flanks of the fish, that do not extend completely onto the ventral surface. The lower jaw is prominent, much like Polypterus endlicheri. The male has a wider and thicker anal fin. These fish are commonly sold as pets.