Fin's Fish Guide
The West African bichir (Polypterus retropinnis) is a freshwater fish of the family Polypteridae that grows up to 34 cm.
West-Central Africa; small rivers, swamps and flooded zones of the Congo basin.
Description
The West African bichir is an ancient fish of the bichir family (Polypteridae) from the Congo basin and West-Central Africa. The species grows to about 34 cm and has an elongate, snake-like body covered with hard, rhomboid ganoid scales and a row of small finlets on the back, characteristic of bichirs. It inhabits small rivers, swamps and flooded zones. Bichirs are living fossils that can breathe air with a pair of primitive lungs and so survive in oxygen-poor water. As a predator it hunts, mainly at night, small fishes, insects and crustaceans. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the West African bichir?
The West African bichir has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Living fossil with ganoid scales, dorsal finlets and primitive lungs for breathing air.
Where does the West African bichir live?
The West African bichir lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. West-Central Africa; small rivers, swamps and flooded zones of the Congo basin.
How big does the West African bichir get?
The West African bichir grows to a maximum of about 34 cm.
Is the West African bichir dangerous to humans?
No, the West African bichir is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the West African bichir edible?
The West African 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 West African bichir?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the West African bichir is one of 12,519 species in the app.