bichir

[ bich-er ]

/ ˈbɪtʃ ər /

any of several primitive freshwater African fishes of the genus Polypterus having functional lungs as well as gills.

Origin of bichir

probably earlier than 1965–70; < French < dialectal Arabic abu shīr

Bichir manages to be gruff but sensitive, honest yet mysterious, making Ruiz a mix of righteousness and compassion.

‘The Bridge’: FX’s New U.S.-Mexican Border Thriller |Jace Lacob |July 10, 2013 |DAILY BEAST
As Bichir put it, his tearjerker role is just the sort that actors “die” for.

Demian Bichir Nominated for Best Actor Oscar – Who Is He? |Melissa Leon, Anna Klassen |January 25, 2012 |DAILY BEAST
In an interview with Fox News Latino, Bichir explains his motivation to be part of the film was not a political one.

Demian Bichir Nominated for Best Actor Oscar – Who Is He? |Melissa Leon, Anna Klassen |January 25, 2012 |DAILY BEAST
For Bichir, the film was not only a story about immigration, but rather a narrative of the love of a father for his son.

Demian Bichir Nominated for Best Actor Oscar – Who Is He? |Melissa Leon, Anna Klassen |January 25, 2012 |DAILY BEAST

Of these the only one known until very recently was Polypterus bichir of the Nile.

A Guide to the Study of Fishes, Volume 1 (of 2) |David Starr Jordan