Shortfin bichir (Polypterus palmas palmas)

Scientific name: Polypterus palmas palmas Ayres, 1850

The Shortfin bichir (Polypterus palmas palmas) is a freshwater fish of the family Polypteridae. In the aquarium it needs water at 26–28°C (79–82°F). Native range: Africa, Cavally River basin in C?te d'Ivoire and the river basins of eastern Liberia up to the St. John River.

Shortfin bichir care at a glance

Temperature: 26–28°C (79–82°F)

Biology

Dorsal spines: 7 9; Anal spines: 1214; Vertebrae: 56 - 59. Cylindrical body. Upper jaw prominent, a little longer than lower jaw. Number of dorsal finlets: 7-9. Pectoral fin not reaching dorsal fin origin. Ganoid scales: 55-58 lateral line scales, 33-39 scales around body, 25-32 predorsal scales. Dorsal surface of the body is grey colored, with dark grey to black irregular blotches forming a dense and reticulate pattern, ventral surface uniform pale. The fleshy base of the pectoral fin with small spots on the posterior part. Dorsal fin spotted, no dark coloration on pelvic and anal fin.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Polypterus palmas palmas
Family: Polypteridae (Bichirs)
Order: Polypteriformes (Bichirs)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 30.0
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: ? - 7.0; dH range: ? - 10 demersal
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Africa: Cavally River basin in C?te d'Ivoire and the river basins of eastern Liberia up to the St. John River.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: Very Low, minimum population doubling time more than 14 years (Fec=5)