freshwater
Delhezi Bichir
Polypterus delhezi
Elongated, eel-like body with thick, diamond-shaped ganoid scales. Features a distinct row of separated dorsal finlets running down the back. Patterned with vertical, dark green to black stripes and reticulations over a grayish-green or yellowish base color.…
- Habitat
- Inhabits slow-moving freshwater rivers, floodplains, and…
- Size & weight
- Typically reaches a length of 30 to 35 centimeters (12 t…
- Diet
- Carnivorous. Feeds on bottom-dwelling invertebrates, sma…
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Physical characteristics
Elongated, eel-like body with thick, diamond-shaped ganoid scales. Features a distinct row of separated dorsal finlets running down the back. Patterned with vertical, dark green to black stripes and reticulations over a grayish-green or yellowish base color. Possesses small pectoral fins located right behind the gills, used for propping itself up on the substrate.
Habitat & distribution
Inhabits slow-moving freshwater rivers, floodplains, and swamps in tropical Africa, specifically native to the Congo River basin. Prefers heavily planted or cluttered benthic environments with muddy or sandy substrates.
Behavior
Solitary and nocturnal or crepuscular. Generally peaceful with similarly sized tank mates, though it is a stealthy ambush predator that spends much of its time resting on the bottom substrate.
Diet
Carnivorous. Feeds on bottom-dwelling invertebrates, small fish, worms, and crustaceans, hunting primarily by scent in low-light conditions.
Reproduction
Oviparous. Spawning typically occurs during the rainy season in flooded vegetation. The female scatters adhesive eggs among plants, and parents do not provide brood care.
Ecological role
Acts as an opportunistic benthic predator that helps regulate populations of small fish, aquatic insects, and crustaceans in its native ecosystem.
Similar species
Other Polypterus species such as Polypterus senegalus (Senegal bichir) and Polypterus ornatipinnis (Ornate bichir). Distinguished by the prominent vertical bands rather than plain coloration (like P. senegalus) or heavy, complex reticulated blotches covering the entire body (like P. ornatipinnis).
Identification tips
Look for the elongated, serpentine body, distinct vertical dark bars along the flanks, and the series of flag-like dorsal finlets along the spine.
Interesting facts
Bichirs possess modified swim bladders that function as primitive lungs, allowing them to gulp atmospheric air and survive in stagnant, oxygen-poor waters.