Bichir
Polypterus sp.
Where is it found?
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Estuaries, lakes and rivers.
Diet and foraging method
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Generally hunt for fish at the bottom of the water column.
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Key adaptations
Bichirs have a flexible, elongated body for gliding in the water with snake-like movements. They can breathe air due to their adapted swim bladder, and can use their strong pectoral fins to travel short distances on land in dry periods.
Social organisation and mating system
Solitary
Mating system depends on the species. Polyterus senegalus courtship involves a series of leaps by both sexes, with the male forming a cup-like structure with its anal fin that it uses to brush the female.
Mating system depends on the species. Polyterus senegalus courtship involves a series of leaps by both sexes, with the male forming a cup-like structure with its anal fin that it uses to brush the female.
Did you know that...?
Bichirs are covered in small bony scales which form flexible armour to protect them from predators.
Taxonomy
Picture credits:
Maps from: http://species.mol.org/species/
"Senegal Bichir" by Mitternacht90 at en.wikipedia - Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons.. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Senegal_Bichir.JPG#/media/File:Senegal_Bichir.JPG
"Bichir Polypterus senegalus" by Unknown - http://opencage.net/pics.e/large_1150.asp. Licenced under CC BY-SA 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bichir_Polypterus_senegalus.jpg#/media/File:Bichir_Polypterus_senegalus.jpg
"Senegal Bichir" by Mitternacht90 at en.wikipedia - Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons.. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Senegal_Bichir.JPG#/media/File:Senegal_Bichir.JPG
"Bichir Polypterus senegalus" by Unknown - http://opencage.net/pics.e/large_1150.asp. Licenced under CC BY-SA 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bichir_Polypterus_senegalus.jpg#/media/File:Bichir_Polypterus_senegalus.jpg
