【Child】Professor, have you ever heard of the legendary creature with the body of a fish and the soul of a philosopher – the Polypterus albino senegalus?
【Professor】Ah, the albino form of the senegalus bichir, or simply polypterus! A fascinating and ancient fish species indeed. In this article, we shall embark on a journey to explore this mysterious and visually striking creature together. Are you ready, my young friend?
【Child】I can’t wait to dive in, Professor!
2. Characteristics
【Child】Polypterus albino senegalus, reading the name reminds me of the white whale in “Moby-Dick.” Does it bear any resemblance to the legendary creature in terms of appearance?
【Professor】Indeed, it does share some similarities. Just like the albino whale, the Polypterus albino senegalus is an extraordinary albino version of the regular Polypterus senegalus. It possesses a vibrant white color that sets it apart from its darker counterpart, with red or orange-colored eyes. It’s also an elongated fish with a snake-like body, measuring up to 16 inches in length when fully grown, and has thick, fleshy pectoral fins that it uses for “walking” along the substrate or even on land for short distances.
3. Habitat
【Child】In “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,” Nemo’s world was full of exotic underwater creatures. What kind of environment does the Polypterus albino senegalus come from?
【Professor】Ah, another marvelous tale! In the wild, Polypterus albino senegalus is native to the slow-moving rivers, swamps, and marshes of West and Central Africa. In an aquarium setting, they thrive in a tank that replicates their natural habitat – a well-planted environment with hiding spots, such as caves or PVC pipes, and a soft substrate for them to “walk” on. These ancient beings are active predators and play a vital role in maintaining the ecosystem balance by controlling the population of smaller fish and invertebrates.
4. Husbandry Requirements
【Child】In order to create a perfect replica of the Albino Senegal Bichir’s natural habitat like the Garden of Eden, what should we pay attention to?
【Professor】An excellent comparison, my dear child! To create a suitable environment for your aquatic philosopher, first ensure that the tank size is appropriate – at least 50 gallons for a single adult bichir. Maintain a water temperature of 74-82°F, pH levels between 6.5 and 7.5, and a moderate water hardness.
As for sustenance, feed them protein-rich foods, such as worms, small fish, and shrimp. Bear in mind that the Polypterus albino senegalus is a nocturnal predator, so it will be more inclined to eat during the evening or night hours.
5. Behavior
【Child】Do the Polypterus albino senegalus have any weird habits or quirks, like that Cheshire Cat from “Alice in Wonderland”?
【Professor】Well, not as whimsical as the Cheshire Cat, but these enigmatic creatures have some interesting behaviors! They are not schooling fish, but young bichirs do tend to swim together for protection. As they grow older, though, their solitary nature becomes more prominent.
Polypterus albino senegalus also have a primitive lung-like organ which allows them to gulp air from the surface to breathe. This means they can survive in oxygen-poor environments, but also need easy access to the water surface.
6. Breeding
【Child】Are there any delightful love stories involved in the breeding process of the Albino Senegal Bichir, reminiscent of those sweet Romeo and Juliet?
【Professor】Ah, love in the aquatic realm! Though not exactly a Shakespearean romance, the breeding process of the Polypterus albino senegalus is unique. Though they can be difficult to breed in captivity, it is not impossible. The male wraps his body around the female, and after fertilization, the female lays around 200-600 eggs on plants and other surfaces. The eggs hatch within a week, and the parents can be quite indifferent towards their offspring, not showing any particular parenting tendencies.
7. Cautions
【Child】In tales, many guardians protect great treasures. What cautionary tales should we be aware of while caring for our philosopher fish?
【Professor】Indeed, with great treasure comes great responsibility. As active predators, Polypterus albino senegalus will often eat smaller tankmates. Therefore, avoid keeping them with small fish or invertebrates. Additionally, they can be unintentional escape artists, so keep aquarium lids securely fastened to avoid unwanted excursions into the world outside their watery paradise.
8. Conclusion
【Child】And so, the tale of the philosopher fish draws to a close. Have we learned all we need to know on how to create a haven for this creature?
【Professor】We’ve come a long way, my young friend! By understanding the Polypterus albino senegalus’ unique characteristics, their natural habitat, and the necessary aquarium conditions, you can create a pleasant home for this intriguing species. Remember the key points: establish a suitable environment, provide the appropriate diet, and take necessary precautions for their behavior and interactions with other tankmates. In doing so, you’ll be able to enjoy the captivating allure of this ancient aquatic philosopher in your very own aquarium.