Barred bichir (Polypterus delhezi)

Scientific name: Polypterus delhezi Boulenger, 1899

Barred bichir (Polypterus delhezi)
Photo: http://www.swereptiles.se/?p=133

The Barred bichir (Polypterus delhezi) is a freshwater fish of the family Polypteridae that grows to about 44 cm (17 in). It is moderate to keep and aggressive and needs a tank of at least 210 L (55 US gal), water at 25–28°C (77–82°F) and a pH of 6.0–8.0. Native range: Africa, Congo River.

Barred bichir care at a glance

Care level
Moderate
Temperament
Aggressive
Adult size
44 cm (17 in)
Minimum tank
210 L (55 US gal)
Temperature
25–28°C (77–82°F)
pH
6.0–8.0
Hardness
5–19 dGH (89–339 ppm)
Diet
Carnivore. Accepts freeze-dried foods, frozen foods and live foods.

Biology

Dorsal spines: 10 - 13; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 11 - 14. Subcylindrical body. Upper and lower jaws reaching to the same level, or the lower jaw is a little shorter. Number of dorsal finlets: 10-13. Pectoral fin not reaching dorsal fin origin. Ganoid scales: 52-58 lateral line scales, 36-40 scales around body, 12-17 predorsal scales. Dorsal side gray-olive colored, with 7 to 8 black transversal bars; ventral side yellowish, lighter on ventral side of head. Spots are forming a black line between the lips and suboperculum. Fins yellow with brown or black spots.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Polypterus delhezi
Family
Polypteridae (Bichirs)
Order
Polypteriformes (Bichirs)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
44.0
Environment
Freshwater; demersal
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Africa: central basin of Congo River.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: subsistence fisheries; aquarium: public aquariums
Resilience
Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

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Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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