
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)
Origem
freshwater habitats of Africa, including the Nile, Congo, and Lake Chad basins
Expectativa de vida
15-20 years
Tamanho
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 é uma espécie de nível intermediário. Alguma experiência prévia e conhecimento de gestão ambiental são recomendados.
A temperatura ideal para Polypterus é 22〜28℃. Evite mudanças bruscas de temperatura e mantenha um ambiente estável.
A expectativa de vida média de Polypterus é 15-20 years. Com cuidados e nutrição adequados, podem viver uma vida longa e saudável.
Encontrar listagens desta espécie
Polypterus normalmente atinge 20-70cm (varies by species) quando adulto. O tamanho pode variar dependendo das condições de cuidado e genética individual.
Polypterus se alimenta de: Frozen bloodworms, shrimp, small fish, pellets. Busque uma dieta equilibrada com frequência de alimentação adequada.
O preço de Polypterus varia significativamente dependendo do morfo, tamanho e linhagem. Consulte nossa página de preços de mercado para informações atualizadas.