Polypterus senegalus
| Scientific name | Polypterus senegalus |
|---|---|
| Descriptor | Cuvier |
| Year of description | 1829 |
| IUCN category | LC |
| Family | Polypteridae |
| Genus | Polypterus |
Introduction
Polypterus senegalus is a fresh water fish from the Africa.
Who is it?
Morphology
-
Average size30 cm
-
Maximum size42 cm
-
Longevity34 year
-
ShapeSerpentiform
-
Average size30 cm
-
Maximum size42 cm
-
Longevity34 year
-
ShapeSerpentiform
How to recognize Polypterus senegalus ?
Polypterus senegalus measures between 30 and 42 cm. This fish is unicolore with a predominantly marron, beige and gris body.
Sexual dimorphism
Behaviour & Life cycle
-
dietcarnivorous
-
Sociabilitysolitary
-
territorialNo
-
Way of livingnocturnal
Polypterus senegalus hunts in the stalk and is one of the predators of its biotope. Opportunistic, it does not hesitate to attack any smaller animal nearby.
Polypterus senegalus is a fish solitary naturally found near the bottom. This species is carnivorous . This fish lives mainly at night. Usually, it leaves its hiding place and starts to be active once it gets dark.
Although Polypterus senegalus is non-territorial, it is sometimes aggressive towards other species.
Reproduction
-
Reproductionovipare qui dépose ses Œufs dans la végétation
Polypterus senegalus is a fish ovipare qui dépose ses Œufs dans la végétation.
Harmless species
This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.
Where to find it?
Where to see this species?
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
-
Temperature26 - 28 °C
-
pH (acidity)6 - 7.5
-
gh (hardness)6 - 16
-
FlowSlow and Stagnant
Biotope presentation
Fishkeeping
Not recommended
We do not recommend keeping this species in an aquarium. It has unpredictable needs which, if not met, generate significant stress, potentially leading to a shorter life expectancy, an interruption of its growth or the development of pathogens.
To go further
Species of the same family
snake fish
Polypteridae
To read on the web
Sources & Contributions
Participation & Validation
The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.
Benoit Chartrer
Didier Paugy
Translation
Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.
Where to see this species?
Tags
Species of the same family
snake fish
Polypteridae
Scientific partners