Edit Polypterus palmas
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Name
Scientific name
Polypterus palmas
Described by
Authority Ayres, Year 1850
Family
Polypteridae
Common names
Marbled Bichir
Photograph credits
All 1 credited
Summary
The marbled bichir, Polypterus palmas, is a small bichir from Ghana, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo and four other countries. O…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
325mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 120 cm, Minimum depth 45 cm, Minimum height 38 cm
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 25–28°C, pH 6–7
Hardness
5–15dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Not recorded
Social needs
Not recorded
Community suitability
Not recorded
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone
Writing
Etymology
Not written yet
Distribution
Ghana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Liberia, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone.
Habitat
Ghana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Liberia, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone.
Aquarium size
120 ∗ 45 ∗ 38 cm - ~205 litres).
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: 6.0-7.0 Hardness: 5-15 dH
Diet
P. palmas is carnivorous by nature and will not usually accept dried foods in aquaria, though some specimens have been known to take pelleted varieties. The mo…
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
Not recorded in captivity but is thought to breed in a similar way to other Polypterus species. This species breeds during the rainy season in nature. Changes …
Notes
An incredibly hardy, nocturnal species with very poor vision, P. palmas relies on its excellent sense of smell to locate food. This species, along with others …
References
References
No references