Senegal pike
| Senegal pike | ||||||||||||
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Senegalese pike ( Polypterus senegalus ) |
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| Systematics | ||||||||||||
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| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Polypterus senegalus | ||||||||||||
| Cuvier , 1829 |
The Senegal pike ( Polypterus senegalus ) belongs to the genus of the actual pike ( Polypterus ).
Naming
Apart from its scientific name, Polypterus senegalus , it is known by many common names such as E.g .: Gray Bichir, Senegal Bichir, Cuvier's Bichir and Dinosaurieraal. The name dinosaur eel, which can be considered a nickname, is supposed to be an allusion to its ancient characteristics. The frequently encountered scientific name Polypterus senegalensis goes back to the determination of Steindachner in 1870 and is a synonym for the naming Polypterus senegalus by Cuvier in 1829. However, according to the priority rule, the name of the first descriptor, namely P. senegalus, applies .
Distribution area
The Senegalese pike is native to West Africa and the Nile region and is about 50 cm long. The distribution areas of Polypterus senegalus are in the White Nile, Lake Albert and Rudolf Lake, the Omo River, Lake Chad and the Chari River as well as the major rivers Senegal, Gambia, Volta, Niger, Bénoué and the upper Congo Basin.
features
Its distinguishing features are a white marking on the upper jaw and a black so-called tear line. Apart from that, Polypterus senegalus has a solid gray on the back and white on the belly. On closer inspection, you will also find fine black dots in the back area of the fish. Very young animals can be recognized by three longitudinal stripes that extend lengthways across the entire body, but these are no longer visible in animals about 5 cm long.
Aquaristics
This species, which is considered peaceful and lively and comparatively popular, is an easy-care aquarium fish that can also be found regularly and in large numbers in pet shops. Live imports of Senegal pike come from the Nile region and from special breeding farms in Southeast Asia.
literature
- Frank Schäfer: Polypterus. Bichirs. Aqualog-Verlag ACS (Aqualog), Rodgau 2004, ISBN 393602739-0
Web links
- Senegalese pike on Fishbase.org (English)