1. Introduction
【Child】: Professor, have you heard of Polyphemus, the one-eyed giant from Greek mythology? I wonder, is there a mysterious fish that is as fascinating as he?
【Professor】: Ah, indeed, my imaginative young friend. Although there isn’t a cyclopean fish, there is a unique and puzzling fish that might arouse your interest – the Polypterus lapradei. Allow me to regale you with fascinating details of this peculiar fish and its care.
2. Characteristics
【Child】: Professor, whenever I see a crocodile, I can’t help but think of Peter Pan’s “tick-tock” beast. Is our dear Polypterus lapradei just as bizarre as a clock-eating crocodile?
【Professor】: (chuckles) Well, our Polypterus lapradei might not be a clock-devourer, but it does share some resemblances with a crocodile! This ancient-looking fish, also known as the West African bichir, has a long, serpentine body with a dorsal fin that runs along its spine. It also possesses strong, splayed pectoral fins that can aid in small movements on land. They can grow to reach lengths of up to 30 inches, and their mottled brownish-green color provides excellent camouflage.
3. Habitat
【Child】: If Polypterus lapradei were a character from the Jungle Book, how would they fare in the wild and where would they thrive within our aquariums?
【Professor】: In our literary analogy, Polypterus lapradei would be a fine dweller in the watery realms. Naturally inhabiting West African slow-moving rivers and swamps, they thrive amidst dense vegetation, muddy substrates, and dimly lit environments. Replicating such conditions in your aquarium would make your aquatic friend feel right at home. Additionally, they play an integral role in the ecosystems they reside in, preying upon smaller fishes and invertebrates, maintaining a balance in the food chain.
4. Husbandry Requirements
【Child】: If I were to nurture this enigmatic creature as Prospero nurtured Caliban in “The Tempest,” what conditions would be best for our Polypterus lapradei to flourish?
【Professor】: As a wise guardian, you must ensure a large aquarium, with at least 100 gallons, to accommodate the bichir’s size and proclivity for exploration. A suitable temperature will be between 75-82 degrees Fahrenheit, while lightly acidic to neutral water with pH levels between 6.5-7.8 would be ideal. Soft to medium water hardness, alongside providing a variety of live and frozen foods, will ensure their sustenance and welfare.
5. Behavior
【Child】: One could say that Polypterus lapradei is the Phantom of the Opera, lurking in the shadows. Am I correct in assuming this, Professor?
【Professor】: Indeed, your observation is impeccable. These nocturnal wonders are primarily solitary, spending their daylight hours resting under aquatic foliage or other sheltered spaces. During the night, they become active and hunt for food. Polypterus lapradei is an opportunistic predator, preying on smaller fish and invertebrates that cross its path.
6. Breeding
【Child】: When it’s time for these magnificent creatures to bring forth life, how does their love story unfold?
【Professor】: The amorous tale of Polypterus lapradei begins with the male wrapping his body around the female during mating. The female will then release her eggs, which the male fertilizes. The eggs will normally attach to aquatic plants, where they will incubate for a few days before hatching. To encourage such courtship, maintain pristine water conditions and include an abundance of live foods in their diet.
7. Cautions
【Child】: Since the tale of Romeo and Juliet teaches us about the dangers of haste, what precautions must we take in housing our dear Polypterus lapradei?
【Professor】: Well, as the sage Shakespeare once wrote, “Wisely and slow; they stumble that run fast.” Due to their predatory instincts, Polypterus lapradei should be housed with compatible tankmates, preferably those too large to be considered prey. No delicate fins, as they may become an unintended snack. Moreover, their agile terrestrial mobility requires a secure lid on your aquarium, lest they attempt an aquatic escape.
8. Conclusion
【Child】: Professor, let us bestow a final ode to our beloved Polypterus lapradei.
【Professor】: To our enigmatic Polypterus lapradei: may we learn from you and provide a hospitable aquatic abode, while revering your curious beauty and charm. Remembering your preferred habitat, conditions, and cautioning, may we continue our pursuit of knowledge in the fascinating world of aquariums.