Polypterus congicus, the Congo bichir, is a species of bichir with a maximum recorded size of 970 millimetres (38 in).

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 endlicherii.

The male has a wider and thicker anal fin.