Barred birchir

Zaire Flösselhecht ( Polypterus delhezi )

The Zaire - Flösselhecht ( Polypterus delhezi ) is a species of the family of bichirs ( Polypteridae ). The fish live in the middle basin of the Congo in rivers, lakes and flooded areas. Like all bichirs he lives close to the ground and feeds on prey on smaller animals.

Features

Polypterus delhezi is up to 44 inches long. The upper jaw is slightly longer or equal in length to the lower jaw. On the back it has 10 to 13 is typical of bichirs Flössel. The anal fin has 11 to 14 fin rays. The pectoral fins rich not created until the first Flössel. Upper and lower jaws are of equal length, or the lower jaw is slightly shorter.

As with all Flösselhechten his body is covered with hard Ganoidschuppen. The number of scales along the lateral line organ is 52 to 58, a number around the body has 36 to 40 scales. Before the Flösseln are 12 to 17 scales.

The fish are olive-gray, the belly yellowish or white. The underside of the head is lighter. On the flanks Polypterus delhezi has seven to eight irregular, but clearly visible black cross bands ranging from the spine to the middle of the page. The fins are yellow with black or brown spots or a dark cross drawing.

Polypterus delhezi propagates during the rainy season.