Senegal bicher - Dinosaur Eel

By Andrew Christman AKA Snail
 
Common Name: Senegal bicher
Latin Name: Polypterus senegalus
Origin: Africa
Temperature: 77-84°F (25-29°C)
Ease Of Keeping: Easy
Aggressivness: Not very aggressive to fish it cannot swallow.
Lighting: Subdued
Adult Size: 12" (30cm) in the aquarium, 16" (40cm) in the wild
Minimum Tank Size: 50 Gallons breeder.
Feeding: Varies by individual, but pellets, worms, frozen food.
 
Comments: This ancient (Triassic Period) fish is unique in that it has lobed fins, extruding nostrils, and simple lungs. They have a very intelligent look about them, prehaps because of the way they study their surroundings. Although they are nocturnal, most will come out in the evening if enough hiding places are avalible to make it feel secure. They will slither out of the smallest of cracks in the hood, and can survive 8-10 hours out of water. Keep your tank well covered! They must also have 3 inches of air between the hood and the water level for them to breathe. They have become partially dependent on breathing oxygen and will die if not allowed to do so.