West African birchir

Polypterus retropinnis is a freshwater fish of the family of bichirs ( Polypteridae ), which occurs in Ogooué and in the central Congo basin.

Features

Polypterus retropinnis is a maximum of 34 cm inches long. The covered Ganoidschuppen body is elongated and nearly round in cross section. The body height is 8.3 to 10.4 times in the standard length, head length 5.6 to 6.7 times. The length before the first Flössel is 55.7 to 63.2 % of standard length. The distance between the nostrils located at 14.3 and 18% of head length. Both jaws are of equal length, in most cases, the lower jaw may be slightly longer in some cases. The number of vertebrae is 57 to 58 The body top is gray or brownish, showing a pattern of irregular olive to brownish- black spots, and clearly demarcated from the yellowish to pale beige underside. A fitted with black spots mandibular base distinguishes the type of Polypterus palmas. The fins are brown polka dots. The pectoral fins have yellow fin bases and are spotted black on its outer edge. The number of Rückenflössel is 7 to 9, the first dorsal fin ray is narrow and short, reaching 4.6 to 6.1 and the length of the head. The number of anal-fin rays is 12 to 15, the tail -fin rays 13 to 16 The pectoral fins do not extend to the approach of the first Flössels. They are supported 30-32 fin rays. Polypterus retropinnis has 56-58 scales in a row along the lateral line, 30 to 38 scales in a row around the body, 26 to 34 scales before the first Flössel and 40 to 46 scales in front of the pelvic fins.

Way of life

Polypterus retropinnis inhabits small rivers, swamps and flooded areas. Like all bichirs he eats prey on a variety of prey animals.