Fin's Fish Guide
The Mottled bichir (Polypterus weeksii) is a freshwater fish of the family Polypteridae that grows up to 54 cm.
Description
The mottled bichir is an ancient freshwater fish of the family Polypteridae from the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species has an elongate body covered with hard, glossy ganoid scales and a brown mottling, and bears a characteristic row of separate finlets on the back. It reaches about 54 cm and, thanks to a pair of lung-like swim bladders, can breathe air at the surface, an adaptation to oxygen-poor waters. It is a nocturnal, bottom-oriented hunter feeding on insects, crustaceans and small fishes. The species belongs to a very ancient group of ray-finned fishes.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Mottled bichir?
The Mottled bichir has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Row of separate dorsal finlets and ganoid scales; can breathe air; primitive build.
Where does the Mottled bichir live?
The Mottled bichir lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Freshwater of the Congo basin in Central Africa.
How big does the Mottled bichir get?
The Mottled bichir grows to a maximum of about 54 cm.
Is the Mottled bichir dangerous to humans?
No, the Mottled bichir is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Mottled bichir edible?
The Mottled bichir is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Polypterus
More from the family Polypteridae
Want the complete picture on the Mottled bichir?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Mottled bichir is one of 12,519 species in the app.