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Edit Polypterus senegalus senegalus

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Name

Scientific name

Polypterus senegalus senegalus

Described by

Not recorded

Family

Polypteridae

Summary

The Senegal bichir, Polypterus senegalus senegalus, is the most widespread bichir, found in 26 African countries including Egypt and Senega…

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

500mm, standard length

Tank size

Minimum length 150 cm, Minimum depth 60 cm, Minimum height 60 cm

Water

Temperature and pH

Temperature 24–28°C, pH 6.2–7.8

Hardness

5–20dGH

Conductivity

Not recorded

Behaviour

Temperament

Predatory

Social needs

Not recorded

Community suitability

Not recorded

Where it lives

Countries

Not recorded

Supporting text

Etymology

Not written yet

Distribution

This species is more widespread than any other bichir and occurs in no less than 26 countries in Africa, incuding Egypt, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Ivory…

Habitat

This species is more widespread than any other bichir and occurs in no less than 26 countries in Africa, incuding Egypt, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Ivory…

Aquarium size

150 ∗ 60 ∗ 60 cm60 ∗ 24 ∗ 24 in - ~540 litres~143 US gal.

Where does this come from?

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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: 24 – 28 °C75 – 82 °F pH: 6.2 - 7.8 Hardness: 5-20 dH

Diet

Predatory fish. Meaty foods such as prawn and white fish will be readily accepted. Also live or frozen foods such as bloodworm and brineshrimp. P. senegalus wi…

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

Extremely difficult. Not achieved by the hobbyist but has occured in aquaria though details are scarce. This species breeds during the rainy season in nature a…

Notes

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

References

References

No references