
Source: Wikimedia Commons
African ancient fish with dinosaur-like appearance and air-breathing ability. Hardy and long-lived. Nocturnal.
Polypterus, commonly known as bichirs, are an ancient group of freshwater fish native to the Nile River, Congo River, Lake Chad, and other African water bodies. Virtually unchanged for over 100 million years, they are considered living fossils. Their elongated, rope-like body is covered in hard rhomboid ganoid scales, and a series of small finlets (polypterus means 'many fins') run along the dorsal surface. Size varies greatly by species, from about 30 cm in smaller species to over 80 cm in the largest. Bichirs possess primitive lungs — modified swim bladders — enabling air breathing at the water surface, an adaptation to oxygen-poor environments. Nocturnal and bottom-dwelling, they move in a sinuous crawling motion and are strictly carnivorous, consuming frozen bloodworms, feeder fish, carnivore pellets, and shrimp. Their predatory nature requires careful tankmate selection — any fish small enough to fit in their mouths will be eaten. Water conditions are relatively flexible (pH 6.5–7.5, 25–28°C). Remarkably, they can briefly move on land using their pectoral fins, making a tightly fitting lid essential to prevent escape.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Origen
freshwater habitats of Africa, including the Nile, Congo, and Lake Chad basins
Esperanza de vida
15-20 years
Tamaño
20-70cm (varies by species)
Temperatura
22〜28℃
Frozen bloodworms, shrimp, small fish, pellets
Size depends on species — 60-120cm
25-28°C
Comes to surface for air — seal all gaps
Carnivorous — sinking food at night
Poor vision, finds food by smell — feed at night
Intermediate. Esta es una especie de nivel intermedio. Se recomienda algo de experiencia previa y conocimiento de gestión ambiental.
La temperatura ideal para Polypterus es 22〜28℃. Evita cambios bruscos de temperatura y mantén un ambiente estable.
La esperanza de vida promedio de Polypterus es 15-20 years. Con cuidados y nutrición adecuados, pueden vivir una vida larga y saludable.
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Polypterus típicamente alcanza 20-70cm (varies by species) como adulto. El tamaño puede variar según las condiciones de cuidado y la genética individual.
Polypterus se alimenta de: Frozen bloodworms, shrimp, small fish, pellets. Apunta a una dieta equilibrada con una frecuencia de alimentación adecuada.
El precio de Polypterus varía significativamente según el morfo, tamaño y linaje. Consulta nuestra página de precios de mercado para información actualizada.