【Child】: Professor, have you ever heard the legend of the Ouroboros, the ancient symbol of a serpent eating its tail that represents the eternal cycle of life and death? I wonder if there’s an aquatic creature that has the same intriguing and mysterious aura as this mythical symbol. Are there any such fish?
【Professor】: Ah, you have quite the mythical taste, my learned companion! To answer your question, let us explore the world of the Polypterus bichir bichir, which may remind you of the captivating Ouroboros. They are a unique and ancient species of fish, often referred to as a “living fossil.” In the following dialogue, I will provide explanations of their characteristics, habitat, husbandry requirements, behavior, breeding, and cautions when keeping them in an aquarium. So, let us embark on a fascinating journey into the aquatic realm of the Bichir!
【Child】: Alright! So, what do these enigmatic Bichir creatures look like, and what are their characteristics?
【Professor】: The Polypterus bichir bichir, or the Upper Nile Bichir, boasts an elongated, serpent-like body with a dorsal fin composed of several spines. Their body color is usually a mix of gray and brown, mirroring the murky waters of their habitat. It’s said that these colors are like the brushstrokes of an Impressionist painting! In addition, Bichirs have external nostrils and, rather uniquely, lungs that aid them in occasional breaths of air. They typically reach around 24 to 30 inches in length, so they’re quite sizable, just like a mythical creature!
【Child】: The mysterious serpent of water appears! Where do these aquatic serpents dwell, and how can their domain be replicated in an aquarium?
【Professor】: In their natural environment, Bichirs favor the freshwaters of African rivers and lakes, where they can be found lurking amidst dense vegetation, waiting to ambush their prey. To provide a cozy abode for your unique pet, create an environment that mimics a lush, sun-speckled riverbed. Bichirs are benthic creatures—they dwell near the bottom, like an underwater dragon guarding its treasure. Make sure that the aquarium is spacious enough (at least 50 gallons) to allow for their graceful undulating movements. Initialize a gentle current and provide ample hiding spaces. Water temperature should be maintained between 75 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5 and a hardness of 5 to 20 dGH.
【Child】: They truly are artists of the aquatic realm, painting each body movement in fluid strokes. Tell me more of their behaviors and ways of life. Do they bask in moonlight like a sleepwalker, hidden beneath the shadows?
【Professor】: Ah, such poetic inquiry! Indeed, Bichirs are nocturnal creatures, but they’re more like sneaky hunters in the shadows than sleepwalkers. They are predominantly solitary opportunists, waiting patiently for their prey to pass by before engulfing it in the blink of an eye. Unlike the romantic symbiosis of Jonathan Livingston Seagull and the sky, Bichirs pursue their evasive prey underwater—which includes fish, crustaceans, and even amphibians! So, when you keep them in an aquarium, it’s best to emulate their nighttime prowls by providing dim lighting and feeding them in the evening.
【Child】: Just as the moon causes the tides to swell, are there particular celestial alignments or conditions that bring forth the offspring of these reel-like serpents?
【Professor】: While I can’t say that celestial alignments have a direct influence, the breeding of the Bichir is indeed an interesting event. While it’s not common for them to breed in captivity, you might have a chance of bearing witness to this poetic scene by providing an ideal environment. The males will dig a shallow pit among the sand or gravel, where the female will lay her eggs. After fertilization, the male would wrap around the developing eggs like a protective father, warding off any intruders. After approximately four days, the hatchlings emerge, ready to begin their journey on this aquatic stage.
【Child】: Though they may seem mystical creatures to wander solo, do they mingle with other fish species or possess an air of regal seclusion?
【Professor】: Your contemplation is as deep as the waters they inhabit, dear child. While Bichirs do prefer solitude, they can coexist with other fish species of similar size and temperament. However, I’d advise keeping a cautious eye on them, as their predatory instincts might drive them to hunt smaller fish. Remember, like the artist weaving tales on a canvas, every fish plays a role in the aquatic symphony, and it’s our responsibility to harmonize the ensemble without provoking discord.
【Child】: Thank you, Professor, for this glimpse into the enigmatic world of the Bichir. I shall remember these serpentine creatures’ peculiarities and all the wonders they have to offer as caretakers of a home aquarium.
【Professor】: You’re most welcome, my curious apprentice! May the knowledge you’ve gained today awaken the Ouroboros in your heart, opening up a new world of delight and fascination for you. Cherish your time with the Bichir as you become more and more intimate with the mysteries of the aquarium universe!