Mottled Bichir (Polypterus weeksii)
From The Aquarium Wiki
Mottled Bichir
Fathead Bichir
Polypterus weeksii
473 Litres (125 US G.)
45-54 cm (17.7-21.3")
Freshwater
6.5 - 7.5
23 -27 °C (73.4-80.6°F)
6-16 °d
1:1 M:F
8-15 years
Family
Polypteridae
 |
You can contribute to the Aquarium Wiki by expanding this article. Dont be shy!. |
Contents
Additional names
- Fathead Bichir, Mottled Bichir, Week's Bichir
Additional scientific names
- Polypterus schoutedeni, Polypterus weeksi
Origin
 |
This section requires expansion with: Location where this animal is found in the wild. |
Sexing
|
|
This section requires expansion with: Methods for differentiating male and females. |
Tank compatibility
- A relatively peaceful Bichir, however, will eat smaller fish. Should only be kept with robust peaceful fish larger than itself. Will cohabit with other Bichirs.
Diet
|
|
This section requires expansion with: Details on what this species will eat.. |
Feeding regime
|
|
This section requires expansion with: Specific feeding instructions other then the standard Feeding Regime. |
Environment Specifics
|
|
This section requires expansion with: Anything the species requires to be comfortable in the tank, such as caves or grasses. |
Behaviour
- A bottom-dwelling large predatory fish. Only a threat to fish smaller than itself.
Identification
- This species usually has a very clear distinction between the dark greyish-green dorsal surface and the whitish ventral surface. Several dark bands are present which may fork towards the bottom. The head is relatively large, giving rise to one of the common names of 'fat-headed' Bichir. This species retains external gills much longer than most other Polypterus species. There are 9-11 dorsal finlets.
Pictures
External links
- Fishbase (Mirrors:
)
