1. Introduction
【Child】Professor, I came across the mythical Polypterus senegalus in an ancient sea tale. It’s said to swim through the oceans like a serpent or dragon. Is such a creature real, and can we actually keep one in an aquarium?
【Professor】Ah, the Polypterus senegalus, also known as the Senegal Bichir, is indeed a real and intriguing fish. In this article, we’ll delve into its characteristics, habitat, husbandry requirements, behavior, breeding, and cautions for keeping them in an aquarium.
2. Characteristics
【Child】I imagine the Senegal Bichir to be like the Loch Ness Monster, long and serpentine. Does it really possess such an ancient, otherworldly aura?
【Professor】You have quite the imagination! The Senegal Bichir does have a rather prehistoric appearance. Its elongated, serpentine body is covered in thick, overlapping scales, and it has a dorsal fin running along its back, comprised of individual spines. Its coloration varies, with combinations of brown, gray, green, or yellow, usually adorned with some camouflage-like patterns. Adults can grow up to 20 inches in length!
3. Habitat
【Child】If these creatures hail from sea tales, they must be denizens of the deep, blue sea or perhaps treasures hidden in secret coves.
【Professor】Not quite, dear scholar! Senegal Bichirs are actually freshwater fish native to the murky rivers, swamps, and marshes of Africa. Their bodies are designed to navigate through tangled aquatic vegetation and debris. In an aquarium, you’d want to replicate their natural environment – think dense vegetation, driftwood, and rock caves. Additionally, they are bottom-dwellers that play a crucial role as scavengers in their ecosystem.
4. Husbandry Requirements
【Child】Just like how the Phantom of the Opera lurked beneath the Paris Opera House, perhaps these secretive Bichirs yearn for specific conditions to thrive.
【Professor】Indeed! Senegal Bichirs are sensitive to water conditions. They prefer a temperature between 76 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit, and water that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.5 to 7.5) with moderately soft to hard water. Considering their potential size, a minimum 55-gallon tank is recommended. As for their diet, they’re carnivorous and opportunistic feeders, enjoying a variety of meaty morsels, like worms, small fish, and shrimp.
5. Behavior
【Child】Inspired by Dracula, are they nocturnal creatures emerging under the moonlight to hunt for their prey?
【Professor】You’ve hit the nail on the head this time! Senegal Bichirs are indeed nocturnal predators. They often swim along the bottom or mid-water levels, using their sensory organs to navigate and locate food in the dark. Although they’re not particularly social, they can be kept in groups provided they have ample space and hiding spots.
6. Breeding
【Child】In medieval legends, creatures often embark on romantic and mysterious unions. How does the Polypterus senegalus find its other half?
【Professor】Breeding these aquatic “somethings” requires some collaboration! First, introduce a pair of healthy, matured Senegal Bichirs; after some courtship, the female will lay her eggs, which the male will then fertilize. To encourage breeding, increase the tank temperature slightly and provide a gentle water current to simulate their natural breeding environment.
7. Cautions
【Child】Will these ancient creatures emerge as benevolent allies amongst other fish or unveil themselves as malicious traitors?
【Professor】A cautionary tale indeed. While Senegal Bichirs can coexist with other similar sized or large non-aggressive fish, beware that they are predatory by nature. Do not keep them with small fish or invertebrates, as they may become a part of the Bichir’s lavish feast!
8. Conclusion
【Professor】Polypterus senegalus, the creature shrouded in ancient legends, is indeed a fascinating and captivating addition to any aquarium. By paying close attention to their husbandry requirements, behavior, and compatibility with other species, you can create a thriving habitat for these serpentine swimmers to reign over your aquatic realm.