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Others
/ Polypteridae / Cuvier's Bichir
Cuvier's Bichir
Polypterus senegalus | Pictures
Synonyms: Polypterus
arnaudii, P. Senegalensis
Physical description: This elongated species averages nine dorsal rays, which make up the dorsal fin.
The
pectoral fins are fan-shaped, and the anal and pelvic fins are located far back on the body, near the caudal fin.
The
coloration is variable: the back ranges from olive to brown to slate gray-green.
The flanks are lighter and the belly
is white.
Size/Length: To 16" (40 cm)
Similar species: Other Polypterus
species.
Habitat: Widespread in marshy, vegetation choked waters from the Nile River to Senegal to Nigeria.
S: bottom
Aquarium: A 40" (100 cm) tank with a from 45-55 gallons (170-209 L) is sufficient for
fish up to 12" (30 cm) in length.
Follow suggestions for
C. calabaricus.
Water chemistry: pH 6-8 (7.3), 10-18 dH (15), 79-86 F (26-30 C)
Social behavior: As for P.
ornatipinnis , although this species is more sociable than the previous
Bichir.
Suggested companions: Distichodus,
Hemichromis, Heterotis, Cichlasoma, Tilapia, Haplochromis
FOOD:
Live; fish, earthworms,
Tubifex , insects, frogs; chopped meat; occasionally
acclimated fish will accept tablets
Sexual differences: The anal fin of the male is said to be larger.
Breeding techniques: Few details are available regarding spawnings in captivity, although reportedly, the
addition of cooler water and a decrease in water hardness is said to initiate spawning.
The eggs are laid amongst plants and
the fry have external gills.
Start feeding with small live foods.
Breeding potential: 9.
Breeding is very difficult.
REMARKS: Cuvier's Bichir will become very friendly towards its owner, even taking foods
from one's hand.
This species is commonly exported from Lagos, Nigeria.
Difficulty of care: 5.
This large species requires live foods, but is generally hardy.
Recent articles about fish
Overfishing may hurt Amazon forest trees
(2/5/2008) Overfishing is reducing the effectiveness of seed dispersal by fish in the Brazilian Pantanal, reports Nature. The research suggests that fishing practices can affect forest health.
Scientists find fish that literally lives in trees
(10/17/2007) Scientists have found a fish that literally lives in trees, according to research published in The American Naturalist and highlighted in New Scientist Magazine.
Piranhas originated when Amazon was flooded by seawater
(12/4/2007) South America's piranha family of fish -- notorious as eaters of flesh -- can be traced back to a single ancestor which dispersed when the Amazon was flooded by seawater some five million years ago, report researchers from the Institut de Recherche Pour le Developpement (IRD). Today piranhas are exclusively freshwater fish found from the Orinoco River basin in Venezuela to the Parana in Argentina.
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