Polypterus delhezi Boulenger, 1899
Barred bichir
Polypterus delhezi
photo by Germeau, G./ Doumont, Y.

Family:  Polypteridae (Bichirs)
Max. size:  44 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater
Distribution:  Africa: middle Congo River basin (Ref. 3188) in Democratic Republic of the Congo and Republic of Congo. Reports from the Shari (Chad basin)(Ref. 1878, 3047, 3049) unconfirmed in Ref. 81263.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-13; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 11-14. Subcylindrical body (Ref. 42908). Upper and lower jaws reaching to the same level, or the lower jaw is a little shorter (Ref. 42873, Ref. 42901, Ref. 42908). Number of dorsal finlets: 10-13 (Ref. 42908, Ref. 51884). Pectoral fin not reaching dorsal fin origin (Ref. 41588). Ganoid scales (Ref. 42908): 52-58 lateral line scales, 36-40 scales around body, 12-17 predorsal scales (Ref. 41588, Ref. 42848, Ref. 42908, Ref. 51884). Dorsal side gray-olive colored, with 7 to 8 black transversal bars; ventral side yellowish, lighter on ventral side of head (Ref. 41580; Ref. 44841). Spots are forming a black line between the lips and suboperculum (Ref. 41580). Fins yellow with brown or black spots (Ref. 41580).
Biology:  This carnivorous fish lives in streams, lakes and zones of flood (Ref. 41580). Reproduction and spawning occurs during the rainy season (Ref. 41580).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 16 February 2009 Ref. (124695)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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