West African bichir (Polypterus retropinnis) fish species and information / pictures of West African bichir - Polypterus retropinnis

West African bichir (Polypterus retropinnis) fish species information

Scientific Name
Polypterus retropinnis

Common Name
West African bichir

Biology
Dorsal spines : 7 to 9; Anal spines: 1215; Vertebrae: 57 - 58. Subcylindrical body. Jaws mostly about the same length, the upper jaw sometimes a little longer than lower jaw. Internostril distance 14.3-18.0% of head length. Predorsal length 55.7-63.2% of SL. Number of dorsal finlets: 7-9. First dorsal spine narrow, 4.6-6.1% of head length. Number of dorsal and caudal rays: 13-16. Pectoral fin not reaching dorsal fin origin. Ganoid scales : 56-58 lateral line scales; 30-38 scales around body; 26-34 predorsal scales, 40-46 prepelvic scales. Dorsal surface of the body is gray or brown colored, well separated from the ventral surface, which is yellowish. Reticulated pattern on dorsal side with olive-colored spots ; also lower jaw with black spots, which separates it from Polypterus palmas

Classification

Classified By
Vaillant, 1899
Class
Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)
Order
Bichirs (Polypteriformes)
Family
Bichirs (Polypteridae)

Distribution

Region
Africa
Distribution
Africa: central Congo River basin and Ogoou? River.
Range
Unknown

Environment

Climate
Tropical
Water Temperature From
Unknown °C
Water Temperature To
Unknown °C
Depth From - meters
Unknown m
Depth To - meters
Unknown m
Zone
demersal
Environment
Freshwater; demersal
Trophic Level
2.58 s.e. 0.26 Based on food items.
Occurs in Marine / Salt water
False
Occurs in Brackish water
False
Occurs in Fresh Water
True
Occurs on Reefs
False
Is kept in Aquariums
True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length
34.0 cm
Common Length
Unknown cm
Phylogenetic Diversity Index
PD50 = 0.5010 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses
Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: public aquariums
Vulnerability
Low to moderate vulnerability (31 of 100)
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)
Threat To Humans
Harmless
IUCN Red List Status
Least Concern (LC)