虎纹恐龙 · Armoured Bichir

Overview

Polypterus delhezi is mainly active after dark and relies heavily on smell because its vision is poor. It breathes atmospheric air and escapes readily, so successful housing must combine secure containment with unrestricted access to the surface.

Distribution & habitat

It occurs in the Democratic Republic of Congo, using lakes, streams, and flooded areas that are often densely vegetated.

Aquarium setup

Provide a footprint around 120 × 45 cm. Usable floor area matters more than additional depth. Soft substrate, wood, and smooth stones create suitable retreats, while planting is optional.

Fit a secure cover without preventing the fish from reaching air. Denial of surface access can cause drowning. Design both shelter and an open upward route instead of relying on water depth alone.

Diet & feeding

This carnivore often refuses dry foods initially, though some individuals accept pellets. Suitable live or frozen options include prawn, earthworms, mussel, and bloodworms.

Since it locates meals largely by smell, observe actual intake in a shared aquarium rather than judging feeding success solely by the amount offered.

Behaviour & compatibility

It is relatively peaceful with companions too large to swallow, but small fishes remain prey. Appropriately sized compatible larger fishes or other bichirs may work. A peaceful disposition does not negate mouth-size limitations.

Sexual dimorphism

The male anal fin is substantially thicker than the female's, especially when comparing mature individuals.

Breeding

Aquarium reproduction has been achieved. Natural spawning follows the rainy season, and changes in temperature or water chemistry may stimulate courtship, but no fixed change guarantees success. Provide a spacious breeding setup with soft, slightly acidic water and dense plants or mops.

The male cups his anal and caudal fins to receive eggs from the female, fertilizes them, and scatters them into vegetation. Remove adults afterward because eggs may be eaten. Hatching takes approximately three to four days, followed by free swimming roughly three days later. Offer brine-shrimp nauplii or microworms. Fry appear relatively inactive, so check that food is actually within reach.

Notes

It belongs to the upper-jawed group, in which the upper jaw is at least as long as the lower. Juvenile external gills disappear during maturation and do not imply amphibian identity.

Watch newly acquired fish closely for health or parasite problems during the first few weeks. Provenance varies, so a trade specimen should not automatically be assumed to be wild-caught.