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Edit Polypterus ornatapinnis

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Name

Scientific name

Polypterus ornatapinnis

Described by

Not recorded

Family

Polypteridae

Summary

The ornate bichir, Polypterus ornatapinnis, is a nocturnal bichir from Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Angola and Tanz…

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

600mm, standard length

Tank size

Minimum length 180 cm, Minimum depth 60 cm, Minimum height 60 cm

Water

Temperature and pH

Temperature 25–28°C, pH 6–8

Hardness

5–25dGH

Conductivity

Not recorded

Behaviour

Temperament

Not recorded

Social needs

Not recorded

Community suitability

Not recorded

Community suitability
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Where it lives

Countries

Not recorded

Supporting text

Etymology

Not written yet

Distribution

Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Angola, Tanzania. It is found in rivers, ponds, marshes and lakes, including Tanganyika.

Habitat

Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Angola, Tanzania. It is found in rivers, ponds, marshes and lakes, including Tanganyika.

Aquarium size

180 ∗ 60 ∗ 60 cm72 ∗ 24 ∗ 24 in - ~648 litres~171 US gal for an adult fish.

Maintenance

Floor space is more important than depth with this species. A soft substrate with pieces of driftwood and smooth rocks arranged to form hiding places is ideal.…

Water conditions

Temperature: 25 – 28 °C77 – 82 °F pH: 6.0-8.0 Hardness: 5-25°H

Diet

P. ornatapinnis is carnivorous by nature and will not usually accept dried foods in aquaria, though some specimens have been known to take pelleted varieties. …

Behaviour and compatibility

Not to be trusted with tankmates it can fit in its mouth but is relatively peaceful otherwise. Suitable tankmates include other Polypterus species, Synodontis,…

Sexual dimorphism

The male has a thicker anal fin than the female.

Reproduction

Has been achieved in aquaria but details are very scarce. As this species breeds during the rainy season in nature, changes in the temperature and chemistry of…

Notes

An incredibly hardy, nocturnal species with very poor vision, P. ornatapinnis relies on its excellent sense of smell to locate food. This species along with ot…

References

References

No references