Polypteridae
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
Erpetoichthys calabaricus, Reedfish. JJPhoto.dk
[edit] Overview
Primitive, somewhat reptile-like bottom-dwellers with lungs and the ability to gulp air from the surface in oxygen-poor water.
Both the bichirs and Reedfish are notorious predators and not recommended for typical freshwater community aquariums.
They are of special interest to ichthyologists for their close resemblance to ancient fossil remains of Cretaceous fishes. Nelson (1994) says that they may represent the earliest known chondrostean lineage with living members.
BioGroup:
Native range:
Taxonomic rank: Family
Common name: BICHIRS
| Total known | Total profiles | |
|---|---|---|
| Subfamilies | 0 | 0 |
| Genera | 2 | 2 |
| Species | 10 | 2 |
Feeding: Carnivore. Offer fish flesh, feeder fish, crustacean flesh.
[edit] Subfamilies
none
[edit] Genera
[edit] Species
Reference: 101 Best Tropical Fishes
Facts about PolypteridaeRDF feed
| Biogroup-Organism | Freshwater Fishes + |
| Common name | BICHIRS + |
| Family taxonomic rank | Family + |
| Image credit | JJ + |
| Native range | Africa + |
| Reference | 101 Best Tropical Fishes + |
| Text credit | KW + |