Guinean bichir (Polypterus ansorgii)

General data

Main name: Guinean bichir
Climates: Tropical, Arid (desert)
Habitat: Freshwater
Native: Africa
Distribution: Niger, Corubal (Tomine), Geba

Classification

Genus: Polypterus - Bichirs
Family: Polypteridae - Bichirs
Order: Polypteriformes - Bichirs
Class: Cladistii - Bichirs
Superclass: Osteichthyes - Bony fishes

Description

The Guinean bichir (Polypterus ansorgii) is a ray-finned fish from rivers and other freshwater habitats in Western Africa, ranging from Guinea-Bissau to Nigeria. The species is described from the Corubal River in Guinea Bissau; and it has been reported recently from the Niger basin in Guinea and in lake Kainji and the Ogun River in Nigeria. It reaches a maximum length of 72 cm (28 in), is greenish-brown to black in color, and has large, dark spots and blotches on its sides. On mature specimens, the bottom jaw may protrude very slightly. It is similar to some other bichirs with which it can be confused. Named in honor of explorer William John Ansorge (1850-1913), who collected type specimen.

Guinean bichir (Polypterus ansorgii)

General data

Classification

Description

Taxonomy of Fishes