Nile bichir

Polypterus bichir

Dark vertical bands on juvenile flanks

Tropical
Regional distribution
Freshwater fish
Africa
Elongated
Large
Tropical fish

Polypterus bichir, the Nile bichir, is a fish which lives in the Nile and some of its tributaries in Africa. It is a dark grayish color on the top, with a dark vertical marking and bands on the flank. This marking is more prominent on juveniles, and fades as the fish grows.

Class: Bichirs and Reedfish
Order: Bichirs and Reedfish
Family: Polypteridae
Genus: Polypterus
Maximum length: 74 cm
Water: Freshwater
Body shape: elongated
Distribution: Africa: The subspecies Polypterus bichir bichir is known from the Chad basin, Nile River basin and Lake Turkana (Ref. 2835 , 81263 ). Reports from Lake Turkana and the Ouémé are questionable as unsupported by photographs or museum specimens (Ref. 122071 ). The subspecies Polypterus bichir lapradei is known from the rivers Senegal, Gambia, Geba, Volta and Niger (Ref. 2835 , 81263 ).
Conservation status: LCLeast Concern

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