Edit Polypterus ornatipinnis
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Name
Scientific name
Polypterus ornatipinnis
Described by
Authority Boulenger, Year 1902
Family
Polypteridae
Common names
Ornate Bichir
Photograph credits
All 2 credited
Summary
The ornate bichir, Polypterus ornatipinnis, is a nocturnal bichir from Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Angola and Tanz…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
600mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 180 cm, Minimum depth 60 cm, Minimum height 60 cm
Water
Water conditions
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
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
DR Congo, Tanzania, Lake Tanganyika
Writing
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 cm - ~648 litres 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 °C pH: 6.0-8.0 Hardness: 5-25°H
Diet
P. ornatipinnis 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. ornatipinnis relies on its excellent sense of smell to locate food. This species along with ot…
References
References
No references