How big does the ornate bichir get?

It grows to about 60 cm, making it the largest of the upper-jaw bichir species.

Can the ornate bichir breathe air?

Yes, it has a primitive pair of lungs that lets it breathe air in low-oxygen water and survive out of water for a while.

Bichirポリプテルス

Polypterus ornatipinnisLC— Least Concern

The ornate bichir (Polypterus ornatipinnis) is an ancient, air-breathing fish native to the Congo River basin and Lake Tanganyika in Central and East Africa. Growing up to about 60 cm, it is the largest of the upper-jaw bichirs and is easily recognized by its dark brown body covered in fine yellow-white spots. A primitive pair of lungs lets it breathe air in low-oxygen water and survive out of water for extended periods, and it is popular in the aquarium trade. It is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Bichir (reference photo) — Photo: MusikAnimal / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Source / cropped

Species Data

Classification: Polypteriformes / Polypteridae Source
Distribution: Native to Lake Tanganyika and the Congo River basin across Central and East Africa, including the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Tanzania. Source

Did You Know?

Its dark brown body covered in fine yellow-white spots, with 9 to 11 dorsal spines, gives it the aquarium-trade nickname "fancy bichir." Source
It has a primitive pair of lungs, letting it breathe air in low-oxygen water and even survive out of water for extended periods. Source

Where to See This Species

1 facilities · 0 individuals

NIFREL (Nifureru)OsakaOpened in 2015

公式生きもの図鑑ページで飼育・展示種として紹介 Source

Conservation Story

Conservation Status

Polypterus ornatipinnisはIUCNでLCです。

Habitat

中央アフリカの河川・湖沼の底層。

Threats

湿地・淡水域の改変
水質悪化

Conservation & Breeding Efforts

淡水湿地の保全
飼育下での生態理解と繁殖技術の蓄積

Sources

en.wikipedia.org

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FAQ

How big does the ornate bichir get?: It grows to about 60 cm, making it the largest of the upper-jaw bichir species. Source
Can the ornate bichir breathe air?: Yes, it has a primitive pair of lungs that lets it breathe air in low-oxygen water and survive out of water for a while. Source
Where does the ornate bichir live in the wild?: It is native to the Congo River basin and Lake Tanganyika in Central and East Africa. Source

Source: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org