Polypterus Senegalus Senegalus

Datasheet

General Description

An incredibly hardy and long-lived species, the Polypterus Senegalus Senegalus, commonly known as the Senegal Bichir, belongs to the polypteriformes category. These ancient fish rely on their sense of smell due to poor vision and have intriguing adaptations including a divided swim bladder and amphibian-like gills in their youth. With a maximum size of 50.0cm, they are peaceful and active, making them suitable for beginner aquarists.

Aquarium Setup

For Senegal Bichirs, a tank with a minimum size of 540 litres is recommended, emphasizing floor space over depth. Setting up with a soft substrate, driftwood, smooth rocks for hiding spots, and a tight-fitting cover is crucial due to their escape artist tendencies. While not essential, plants are appreciated, and water conditions should include a hardness of 5-20 degrees, a pH of 6.2-7.8, and a temperature between 24-28 degrees Celsius (see table).

Behaviour

Senegal Bichirs are generally peaceful but not to be trusted with tankmates small enough to fit in their mouth. They coexist well with other Polypterus species, Synodontis, Datnoides, Knife Fish, larger Ctenopoma species, characins, and African Butterfly Fish. They exhibit nocturnal hunting behavior, emerging at night to prey on invertebrates and small fish.

Feeding and Diet

As predatory fish, Senegal Bichirs readily accept meaty foods like prawn and white fish, along with live or frozen options such as bloodworms and brine shrimp. Some individuals may also consume high-quality cichlid pellets, making their diet versatile and relatively easy to maintain in captivity.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Reproduction of Senegal Bichirs is challenging in captivity, typically occurring in the wild during the rainy season. Spawning behavior is induced by changes in water temperature and chemistry, with the male receiving and fertilizing eggs before scattering them for hatching. Sexual dimorphism is evident in the thicker anal fin of the male.

Habitat and Distribution

Wide-ranging in Africa, Senegal Bichirs are found in over 26 countries, including Egypt, Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, and Senegal. They inhabit shallow, slow-moving waters of swamps, marshes, and freshwater lagoons, showcasing their adaptability to various aquatic environments.