Snake fish or dragon - these are the epithets that bestow these creatures. They resemble eel, but even in nature they do not grow more than 70 centimeters in length. It is a modest size by the standards of natural reservoirs that makes it possible to place such a fish as the Senegalese polytherus in the aquarium.
View Features
Polytherus Senegalese is from Africa. Lives mainly in the White Nile and Congo. Another fish is called gray polypterus (Cuvier). This is one of the most unusual freshwater fish, for which she received recognition and love from aquarists. In addition, it is the oldest of the ray-finned fish. Their history is traced from the Paleozoic era, and to this day these species have survived unchanged.
Description
The body of the fish is serpentine, elongated, but at the same time practically not flattened from the sides. The pectoral fins at the base have a fleshy lobe. The Polytherus of Senegalese is so interesting that once you see it, you will not forget it. He has a wide head, resembling a crocodile, very interesting gill covers with a mosaic structure. The body is covered with unique rhombic (ganoid) scales. Complementing the splendor of the dragon crest along the ridge and mustache like a catfish. Color silver gray with a blue tint. Senegalese albino polytherus is even more interesting. It is found somewhat less often, differs in marble-white color. An amazing way to move along the bottom, using pectoral fins as a support, will be admired by all members of the aquarist's family.
Physiology
Senegalese polytherus has an interesting feature - it has a double swimming bladder, which opens from the abdominal side and acts as a lung. It is a lot of pleasure to observe these fish precisely because of their respiratory system. They constantly rise to the surface to swallow air. It should be noted that they cannot breathe exclusively atmospheric air, but they will die without it, that is, it is almost a transitional form between a fish and a lizard.
In nature, the Senegalese polytherus inhabits quiet backwaters and lagoons. These predatory fish feed on any small fish and other animals caught in the river. They usually spawn in July, and caviar is rather small.
Environmental requirements
Polytherus of Senegalese is not found as often as many would like. If in Moscow it is easy to get it, then in many small cities you need to try very hard for this. But this is offset by the livability and unpretentiousness of the fish. First of all, you need a large aquarium. If your body of water is less than 200 liters, then this option is not suitable for fish.
In order to fully enjoy the life of these charming creatures, it is advisable to have an aquarium of 300 liters. The water temperature should be 25-28 degrees, ph - about 7. Be sure to take care of good filtration and aeration. Water change should be 30% weekly.
Lifestyle
In nature, it is a nocturnal predator, so as soon as twilight has come down, go watch what your Senegalese polytherus does. The photo will not convey the whole charm of the fish, especially at the moments of its activity “Graceful” dances, rapid jumping to the surface behind the air and smooth gliding down - all this is good to watch late at night, looking out of bed at the aquarium. It is important to keep the lid closed, as these fish can jump out and not add water to the top edge so that they can breathe air.
In general, based on the observations of aquarists, we can say that these fish are extremely hardy. Adults survive in almost any containers, without aeration and thermal control. But, of course, it is better to arrange good conditions for your pets.
Aquarium equipment
In the evening and at night, the habitat of these fish is the surface of the water. Here they feed and frolic. When the day comes, they descend to the bottom, where they stand or move on the front fins. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure a sufficient number of plants (real or artificial), as well as build grottoes and establish driftwood that will protect from daylight.
Soil should be selected dark, shallow and loose. Polytherus does not harm plants and does not delve into the ground. Nevertheless, it is necessary to remove impurities in time, because such a large fish will only cause turbidity to rise with the movement of the body.
Feeding
If you have always dreamed of a large and quite “smart” fish, then the best find is the Senegalese polytherus. The content will not cause labor, especially since they are distinguished by good health. Since this is a predator, then vegetable (like dry) feed will not be useful to you. Bloodworm will go with a bang. You can also give finely chopped fish fillets, for example, pollock. After some adaptation, the polytherus begins to take the earthworm. If you want, you can accustom him to slicing beef, squid or shrimp.
Feeding a polypterus is a ritual. The fish quickly begins to recognize the owner and approaches the edge of the aquarium at the sight of it. Not far off is the day when the "dragon" will take a piece from his hands. You will not need to worry about excess feed, which spoils the water in the aquarium. As soon as the pet has stopped returning for a new portion - that's enough. For adults, you can arrange unloading for one to two days.
Breeding
This often causes problems. Polypteruses are bad parents, they scatter eggs in the aquarium, and they themselves eagerly eat it. Therefore, black fertilized eggs have to be collected and transferred to an incubator. After hatching, feeding problems begin. Small guppy food is useless; fry do not eat it. Live brine shrimp nauplii are better suited, but they have to be launched a lot so that the little polythers have time to eat as many floundering individuals as they need. The fry are indifferent to the corpses, and since they lead to the development of pathogenic bacteria, everything that remains after dinner should be removed. This is jewelry work. But the grown individuals delight with a great appetite and lack of trouble.
How will other aquarium fish feel with it?
Polypterus Senegalese - territorial fish, also predatory. This should be remembered, since at night he is quite capable of hunting for everything that is smaller than him. If the aquarium is small or there are a lot of polythers in it, clashes between relatives are possible. Therefore, do not endanger other pets, it is better to put an additional aquarium.
These are bright and interesting fish, so if you are still thinking about who you want to see in your aquarium, pay attention to them.