Lapradei Bichir

P. bichir lapradei appears to be a close relative of Polypterus bichir. It has an elongated, subcylindrical body covered with ganoid scales. The row of dorsal finlets down the back of P. bichir lapradei is as the name says (Poly = “many” and -terus = “finned”).  A single dorsal fin is made up of these finlets, which can number up to 15 in some instances. This fin is separated by strong spines that can be lifted and lowered as needed (often in response to a threat, or for stability). This bichir is a “lower jaw” bichir, which means that its lower jaw is somewhat longer than its upper jaw (i.e. an underbite). P. endlicheri and P. ansorgii are two more “lower jaw” bichir species They have big external noses that they employ to compensate for their relatively poor eyesight. The colors and patterning of P. bichir lapradei vary greatly from place to region, although some traits are nearly always present.

These are some examples:

• Dark longitudinal bars are broken up by uneven vertical stripes.
• Dorsal and lateral scales are greyish-green.
• Ventral coloring ranges from grey to white.
• These bichirs make use of a coordinated net.

For locomotion, these bichirs rely on a synchronized network of fins. Their pectoral fins assist the fish in turning, “braking,” and “walking” across the bottom of their environment. The pectoral fins are powerful enough to enable short-distance movement across dry land when kept rigid. The ventral fins function similarly to a ship’s keel, keeping the bichir’s subcylindrical body level. The principal means of propulsion for the fish is the caudal fin, which connects directly to the dorsal fin. Although it is not a speedy species, P. bichir lapradei can achieve swift bursts in pursuit of its prey (usually by folding all of its fins tightly against its body and vigorously thrusting its caudal fin).

The presence of a modified swim bladder, which has developed into a rudimentary lung structure, is one of the most intriguing features of this (and every) bichir. The “lung” is separated into two portions that allow bichirs to increase their oxygen intake by taking gulps at the water’s surface. This ability has allowed them to survive in a wide range of water conditions. It also allows them to survive out of the water, albeit for short periods.

II. You would love the fish because…

The Lapradei Bichir is a widespread Polypterus species found in a variety of slow-moving shallow water environments over much of lowland equatorial West Africa. This Bichir is a huge growth and robust species that can reach sizes of over 30′′ in the wild. Polypterus lapradei is a member of the Polypterus “lower jaw” group, so named because of its unusually large lower jaw that protrudes beyond the upper lip. They are resilient and undemanding in the aquarium, as are other bichir species, but need to be housed with a tight-fitting and possibly weighted lid because they will jump if disturbed or at night.

III. Is this fish species peaceful or hostile?

Bichirs are predatory fish, with a moderately aggressive temperament.

IV. Species compatibility

Any fish will do as a Polypterid’s tank mate, as long as it does not fit into its mouth. Bichir will never attack a healthy huge fish without a reason.

As tank mates, fish of the same size will suffice. These include Oscar, Blood Parrot, Green Terror, and others. We wouldn’t advocate keeping with flowerhorn because it can kill even a protected fish.

V. How to feed this species?

The bichir is a carnivore who rarely consumes dried foods. For larger species, such as shrimp, baitfish, mussels, and earthworms, a diet of frozen or live meals is recommended. Mosquito larvae, bloodworms, and vitamin-enriched brine shrimp are also eaten by smaller specimens.