Bichirs (Polypterus bichir) are a tropical freshwater fish that have been around for a very long time. They make up the Polypteridae family and are mostly found in Northeast Africa throughout the Nile River and its associated tributaries.

Bichirs prefer shallow, swampy waters and can thrive in semi-brackish waters as well. Their build makes them suitable for this kind of habitat which is partially why they have remained unchanged for such a long period of time.

Because of the murky waters where they come from these fish have very poor eyesight. 

Instead, bichirs use their other senses to navigate and find food. They have a good sense of smell and also are able to sense electricity in the water. They have ampullae of Lorenzini which are little organs that can pick up the electricity of other animals in the water.