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Region: Africa Class: Osteichthyes Order: Polypteriformes Family: Polypteridae Genus: Polypterus Scientific Name: Polypterus sp.
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Description:
Bichirs are one of the few living "fossil fishes", and are considered to be one of the most ancient. Their size ranges from 20 cm to 90 cm depending on the species. The body is elongate and covered with heavy ganoid scales (rhomboid shaped and composed of a hard protein, ganoin). The most notable feature of the bichirs is the dorsal fin which is composed of 5 to 18 finlets, each supported by a single spine. The name Polypterus literally means "many fins".
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Distribution:
Bichirs are found exclusively in the fresh waters of tropical Africa.
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Habitat:
Shallow regions near the banks of rivers, often around vegetation, and also in swamps.
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Food:
Bichirs are nocturnal predators, stealthily hunting for worms, insect larvae, crustaceans, frogs and small fish.
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Reproduction and Development:
Spawning begins near the end of the rainy season, which occurs from June to September. As the rivers overflow into adjacent marshes the fish move in to spawn there. Eggs are laid on or near the bottom, often on plants
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Adaptations:
Bichirs have various adaptations to live in waters with low oxygen levels. They have a modified swim bladder used to breathe air much the same as a lung. When oxygen levels are low, often the case with still or stagnant waters, normal gill respiration is inadequate. Therefore, the fish surface to inhale air, and force it into the swim bladder. The scientific term for fishes that need to breathe air is "obligate air breather". One feature that sets bichirs apart from many other air breathing fish is the fact that they have nostrils that open directly into the mouth. This allows them to take in air at the surface without opening their mouths. Even the juvenile fish have additional structures used for respiration for the time spent in the marshes. They consist of external, branched gills which increase the surface area for gas exchange.
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Threats to Survival:
Possibly humans, as it is valued as a food fish.
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Status:
Common
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Zoo Diet:
Brine shrimp, fish gel, beef heart gel, bloodworms.
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The New Tundra Trek