Armoured Bichir "Polypterus delhezi" Common names: Delhizi Bichir, Barred Bichir, Banded Bichir..It is an elongated fish found in the Congo River, specifically in the upper and middle portions. This species is one of the more commonly available in commercial pet stores. has a greyish back and sides, with specks of yellow or green coloration. An incredibly hardy, nocturnal species with very poor vision, relies on its excellent sense of smell to locate food. Saddled Bichir "Polypterus endlicherii" has a pair of primitive lungs instead of a swimbladder, allowing it to periodically gulp air from the surface of the water. In the aquarium bichers can be observed dashing to the surface for this purpose. Provided the skin remains moist, the creature can remain out of the water for near indefinite periods of time. Ornate Bichir "Polypterus ornatipinnis" considered the most attractive of the Bichir group. It is a Lobe-finned Pike, a freshwater fish originating from Africa. The Ornate Bichir has the unique ability to survive out of water. With a lung-like paired swimbladder and gills to help breathing, the Ornate Bichir can spend short periods of time on land, but must soon return to its water environment for adequate respiration. Senegal Bichir "Polypterus senegalus" also known as the Gray Bichir and Cuvier's Bichir, is sometimes called the Dinosaur Eel and also called Dinosaur Bichir or Dragon Fish in the pet trade. It is more widespread than any other bichir and occurs in no less than 26 countries in Africa, incuding Egypt, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Ivory Coast, Tanzania, Nigeria, Senegal and others. It is usually found in shallow, slow moving waters of swamps, marshes and freshwater lagoons.
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