Polypterus senegalus

Polypterus senegalus, commonly known as the Senegal Bichir or Gray Bichir, is a species of freshwater fish belonging to the Polypteridae family. Native to the rivers and swamps of West and Central Africa, including the Senegal River basin, this fish is known for its primitive and fascinating appearance.

The Senegal Bichir has a distinctive elongated body with dorsal finlets running along its back, giving it an almost prehistoric appearance. Its coloration varies from shades of gray to brown, providing effective camouflage in its natural habitat.

While young specimens start out small, Senegal Bichirs can grow relatively large over time, reaching lengths of up to 14-20 inches (35-50 cm) in captivity.

In the wild, they inhabit slow-moving rivers, swamps, and flooded areas with dense vegetation. They are well-adapted to low-oxygen environments, capable of surviving in areas with poor water quality.

Senegal Bichirs are nocturnal and typically lie motionless on the substrate during the day, using their excellent sense of smell and electroreception to detect prey. They are carnivorous and primarily feed on small fish, invertebrates, and occasionally plant matter.

Keeping Senegal Bichirs in captivity requires a spacious aquarium with plenty of hiding places such as caves, rocks, and driftwood. They are tolerant of a wide range of water parameters but prefer slightly acidic to neutral water with temperatures between 75-82°F (24-28°C).

While generally peaceful, Senegal Bichirs may eat smaller tankmates that can fit into their mouths. Therefore, it’s best to keep them with larger, non-aggressive fish species that won’t view them as prey.

With proper care, Senegal Bichirs can live for many years in captivity, sometimes reaching 10-15 years or more.

Polypterus senegalus is a fascinating and hardy fish species appreciated by aquarists for its unique appearance and interesting behavior. However, potential owners should be prepared to provide adequate space and care to accommodate their needs.