Polypterus senegalus, commonly known as the Senegal bichir, gray bichir or Cuvier's bichir, is an African species of ray-finned fish in the bichir family, Polypteridae. It is a typical example of polypterid fishes, as most of its defining physical features are common across the genus, such as its ancient, lungfish- or arowana-like appearance, the ability to breathe atmospheric oxygen, and its armor-like scales. These factors have influenced the species' popularity in captivity, and it is commonly kept by aquarists and other hobbyists.

P. senegalus is sometimes, confusingly, called the "dinosaur eel" or "dragon fish", among other misnomers; however, the bichir is not an eel, nor is it a reptile or dinosaur.

Appearance

thumb|Senegal bichir

thumb|Protruding nostrils of P. senegalus.

Polypterus senegalus is an elongated fish, usually grey or beige in color, though sometimes displaying shades of white, pink or blueish; albino individuals also occur. Its body is covered in rhomboid-shaped, multilayered scales, with very subtle patterns and occasional darker blotches or dots. At the nose, the face is smooth and rounded, with larger scales than the rest of the fish. External nostrils protrude from the front. Eyes are on either side of the head, and they are usually pale yellow with a black pupil. P. senegalus has poor eyesight, and relies largely on sense of smell and subtle movements when detecting prey.

Reproduction

Polypterus senegalus breed during the rainy season in nature. During courtship, the male chases and nudges the female. The females lays 100–300 eggs within a few days. The male receives the eggs from the female by cupping his anal and caudal fins around her genitals. The male then fertilizes the eggs and scatters them in the vegetation. Egg hatching can take 3–4 days.

Captivity

Bichirs are predatory fish; in captivity they will take any live or dead animal that can be swallowed or broken apart and then swallowed. Only its lack of speed prevents a bichir from emptying an aquarium of smaller fish. The pectoral fins only allow for slow cruising, and while it can achieve amazing bursts of speed, it cannot catch fish of average speed. Given enough time, any fish that can fit in the bichir's mouth will be eaten. This fish should not be kept with any other fish smaller than three inches. It will also bite fins of other fishes if it can. P. senagalus can reach 10–15 years of age in captivity.

thumb|left|150px|A juvenile bichir forages for food

See also

  • List of freshwater aquarium fish species

References

  • Senegal Bichir – Polypterus senegalus, BioFresh Cabinet of Freshwater Curiosities.
  • Fish scales may point to armor of the future
  • Dinosaur eel inspires bulletproof armor
  • Duhaime-Ross, Arielle (August 27, 2014) "Scientists raised these fish to walk on land". The Verge. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  • Polypterus senegalus at Encyclopedia of Life.