- Polypterus ornatipinnis
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Polypterus ornatipinnis 
Ornate Bichir Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Polypteriformes Family: Polypteridae Genus: Polypterus Species: P. ornatipinnis Binomial name Polypterus ornatipinnis
Boulenger, 1902[1]The Ornate Bichir (Polypterus ornatipinnis) is a bony fish that lives in Lake Tanganyika and the Congo River basin in Central and East Africa.
Description
P. ornatipinnis has black and yellow patterning on its body, head, and fins, with 9 to 11 dorsal spines. It is the largest of the Polypterus species with a protruding upper jaw,[1] reaching 24 inches (61 cm) in length. This fish can range colours from dark brown to brownish grey and is very common in the aquarium trade, like many other bichirs, this fish also has a primitive pair of lungs enabling it to survive out of water for a short time. It has two eyes on the sides on its head, two pectoral fins and is one of the most attractive of the bichirs.[2]
Notes
- ^ a b Evans, Sean. "Polypterus ornatipinnis". Polypterus.info. http://www.polypterus.info/p_ornatipinnis.htm. Retrieved 2008-08-16.
- ^ From the exhibit caption at the New England Aquarium, 2008.
External Links
Categories:- Polypteridae
- Ray-finned fish stubs
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