1. Introduction
【Child】: Professor, have you ever read Jules Verne’s “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea”? I found the underwater world to be so enchanting and mysterious, and I can’t help but think about the Polypterus endlicheri congicus that I saw at the aquarium the other day. Can you please tell me more about these fascinating creatures?
【Professor】: Ah, young explorer, I can see your love for both literature and aquatic creatures! Great comparison with Jules Verne’s masterpiece. Today, let’s embark on a journey to explore the enigmatic world of Polypterus endlicheri congicus, often known as the Congo bichir.
2. Characteristics
【Child】: When I first saw the Congo bichir, I was awestruck by their fascinating appearance. They remind me of dragons from ancient folklore. Can you please describe their features in more detail?
【Professor】: Absolutely! You’re quite right to compare them to mythical dragons. Congo bichirs possess an elongated body lined with armored bony scales, ranging between 30 and 38 inches when fully grown. Their coloration is mostly brown and green, with hints of yellow and lighter patches, which surely makes them resemble a forest dragon. Their pectoral fins, located close to their snake-like head, look like tiny arms, giving the impression that the bichir is always ready for a battle.
3. Habitat
【Child】: The creatures in “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” all have different habitats. What kind of environment do Congo bichirs prefer, both in nature and in an aquarium?
【Professor】: In nature, Congo bichirs dwell in the murky waters of the Congo River Basin in Central Africa, where they can easily hide among water plants and rocks. In an aquarium, you can recreate their natural habitat by choosing a large tank with plenty of plants, rocks, and hiding spaces.
As they are bottom-dwellers, the bichir plays a vital role in the ecosystem by consuming invertebrates, insects, and small fish, keeping populations in check.
4. Husbandry Requirements
【Child】: To uncover the secrets of the underwater world in Jules Verne’s novel, Captain Nemo made sure everything was perfect for their journey. So, what conditions should I provide for my Congo bichir to thrive in my aquarium?
【Professor】: Captain Nemo would indeed approve of your dedication! Congo bichirs require specific conditions like a water temperature between 75°F and 82°F and pH levels between 6.0 and 7.5. As for the tank size, a minimum of 100 gallons is recommended since they can grow quite large. When it comes to feeding, you can offer them a mix of live and frozen food, such as shrimp, worms, or small fish.
5. Behavior
【Child】: I find the nightlife in novels quite intriguing. Are Congo bichirs like mysterious night owls, or do they prefer basking in sunlit waters?
【Professor】: You have a keen eye, young one! Congo bichirs are indeed nocturnal, coming out at night to search for food. They’re not exclusively social creatures, but can thrive in the company of other Congo bichirs or similar-sized fish species.
6. Breeding
【Child】: In “Romeo and Juliet,” the Capulets and Montagues finally find peace through the love of their children. How do Congo bichirs bring new life into the world?
【Professor】: Just like the star-crossed lovers, Congo bichirs too have quite the tale to tell when it comes to breeding. Males use their modified anal fins to embrace the females, transferring sperm packets for internal fertilization. After a few days, the female will lay up to 300 eggs, which will later hatch into adorable little Congicus babies.
7. Cautions
【Child】: Icarus’ downfall was flying too close to the sun, but what dangers must one beware of when keeping Congo bichirs as pets?
【Professor】: Young thinker, the main caution you should heed is that Congo bichirs may consider smaller fish as food. Therefore, avoid keeping them with much smaller fish. Additionally, secure the tank with a tight lid as they are notorious escape artists, and make sure to maintain their habitat conditions diligently.
8. Conclusion
【Child】: Thank you, Professor, for taking me on this extraordinary journey into the world of Polypterus endlicheri congicus! Now that we’ve unveiled the secrets, I feel even more captivated by these fascinating creatures!
【Professor】: And thank you for accompanying me on this adventure, my young friend. By carefully considering their habitat, husbandry requirements, and proper fish companions, you too can experience the thrill and excitement of the underwater world, right within your own aquarium, just like Jules Verne’s Captain Nemo!