Senegal bichir - Polypterus Sengalus
Overview
Senegal bichir (Polypterus Sengalus) is a freshwater fish species that can be an exciting addition to your tank. Researchers believe that these fishes are primitive and prehistoric and have been around for 60 million years. They are a prototypical species of Genus Polypterus that originated in Africa.
Characteristics
Polypterus Sengalus has an elongated shape and has beige and grey color. Sometimes these fish species have shades of pink, blue, or white on their multi-layered scales. Usually, these fishes have darker dots and are covered with subtle patterns.
These fishes can grow up to14 inches and have round faces with larger scales, and their eyes are yellow with black pupils. However, Senegal bichir has poor eyes and heavily relies on their sense of smell when hunting for food.
Senegal bichir has a big mouth and appears to be ferocious when closed. These fish also have a big row of teeth and multiple rows of smaller teeth. It has a somewhat cylindrical body and a jagged dorsal fin that runs through the body that meets the caudal fin. It is consists of 14-17 anal spines and 8-11 dorsal spines.
Feeding
Polypterus Sengalus feeds on insects, crustaceans, and small vertebrates. They eat almost anything as long as they can swallow it. Therefore, it is ideal for keeping them with smaller tankmates at least half of their size.
Tank requirements
The ideal tank is at least a 50-gallon capacity tank with a size of 6ft x 2ft x 2ft. It must have a lid with tight-fitting to prevent them from escaping. All of the gaps must be plugged with filter foam or mesh. Don't forget to leave at least a 2 inches gap between the aquarium lid and water surface. Not having access to air may cause them to drown.
Senegal bichir will thrive on a tank with plants and rocks that will provide them a place to hide and play. Also, it is great to have a sandy substrate since they spend most of the time at the bottom of the tank.
Breeding
It might be a little challenging to breed Polypterus Sengalus. They typically procreate during rainy seasons. Before mating, they have a weird habit of jumping in and out of the water. Then, once the females are about to spawn, The males wrap their caudal fin from a cup where females can lay their eggs.
