Polypterus Senegalese (Polypterus senegalus). Polypterus fish - content and reproduction

Fish-snake or dragon - it is these epithets that endow these creatures. They resemble an eel, but even in nature they do not grow more than 70 centimeters in length. It is a modest, by the standards of natural reservoirs, the size, makes it possible to settle in an aquarium such a fish as the Senegalese polyperterus.

Features of the view

The Senegalese polyptyur is from Africa. Lives predominantly in the White Nile and the Congo. Another fish is called the gray polypleus (Cuvier). This is one of the most unusual freshwater fish, for which she was recognized and loved by aquarists. In addition, it is the oldest of ray-studded fish. Their history is traced from the Paleozoic era, and to this day these species have gone unchanged.

Description

The body of the fish is serpentine, elongated, but almost not flattened laterally. The pectoral fins have a fleshy lobe in the base. The polypecher of Senegal is so interesting that once you see it, you will not forget it. He has a wide head, resembling a crocodile, very interesting gill cover, having a mosaic structure. The body is covered with a unique rhombic (ganoid) scales. Complementing the magnificence of the dragon comb along the ridge and mustache like a catfish. Color silver-gray with a blue tint. Even more interesting is the Senegalese albino polypterus. It occurs more rarely, it differs in marble-white color. An amazing way to navigate the bottom, using the pectoral fins as a support, will cause admiration for all members of the aquarium family.

Physiology

Polynterus Senegalese has an interesting feature - it has a double swim bladder that opens from the ventral side and acts as a lung. A lot of fun delivers the observation of these fish precisely because of their respiratory system. They constantly rise to the surface to swallow air. It should be noted that they can not breathe exclusively with atmospheric air, but without it they will perish, that is, it is practically a transitional form between a fish and a lizard.

In nature, the Senegalese polyperterus inhabits quiet creeks and lagoons. These fish are predatory, they feed on any small fish and other animals that are caught in the river. Spawning in them usually in July, caviar is small enough.

Requirements for environmental conditions

Polypherus Senegalese are not found as often as many would like. If it is easy to get it in Moscow, then in many small towns it is necessary to try very hard for this. But this is compensated by the liveliness and unpretentiousness of the fish. First of all, you need a large aquarium. If your pond is less than 200 liters, then this option is not suitable for a fish.

To fully enjoy the life of these charming creatures, it is desirable to have an aquarium from 300 liters. The water temperature should be 25-28 degrees, ph - about 7. Be sure to take good filtration and aeration. Water replacement should be 30% weekly.

Lifestyle

In nature, this is a night predator, so as soon as the twilight descended, go and observe what your Senegalese polyperter does. The photo will not give all the charm of the fish, especially at the moments of its activity "Graceful" dances, a rapid jumping to the surface behind the air and a smooth slide down - it's all good to watch late at night, looking from the bed to the aquarium. These fish can jump out and do not add water to the top edge so they can breathe air.

In general, based on the observations of aquarists, we can say that these fish are extremely hardy. Adult individuals survive in virtually any capacity, without aeration and thermal control. But, of course, it is better to arrange for your pets a good environment.

Aquarium Equipment

In the evening and at night, the habitat of these fish is the surface of the water. Here they feed and frolic. When the day comes, they descend to the bottom, where they stand or move on the front fins. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a sufficient number of plants (real or artificial), and also build grottoes and install snags that will protect from daylight.

Soil should be chosen dark, fine and loose. Polypherus does not harm plants and does not dig in the ground. Nevertheless, it is necessary to clean up the pollution in time, because such a large fish will only cause a rise in the turbidity only by the movement of the body.

Feeding

If you have always dreamed of a large and fairly "smart" fish, then the best find is the Senegalese polypecher. The content will not be difficult, especially since they are distinguished by strong health. Since it is a predator, then vegetable (as well as dry) food will not be useful to you. Motyl will go on hurray. You can also give finely chopped fish fillets, for example, pollock. After some adaptation, the polyptyter begins to take the earthworm. If you want, you can accustom it to cutting from beef, squid or shrimp.

Feeding polyptyus is a whole ritual. Fish quickly begins to recognize the owner and approach the edge of the aquarium at the sight of him. Not far off, and the day when the "dragon" will take a piece of his hands. You do not need to worry about the excess food, which spoils the water in the aquarium. As soon as the pet stopped coming back for a new portion - that's enough. For adults, you can arrange unloading for one or two days.

Reproduction

This often causes problems. Polypterses are bad parents, they throw eggs on the aquarium, while they themselves readily eat it. Therefore, black fertilized eggs have to be collected and transferred to an incubator. After hatching, feeding problems begin. Small fodder for guppies is useless, fry do not eat it. Live nauplii artemia fit better, but they have to run a lot, so that the kids-polypters have time to eat still floundering individuals as much as necessary. To the corpses fries are indifferent, and since they lead to the development of pathogenic bacteria, everything that remains after dinner must be cleaned. This is a piece of jewelry. But grown up individuals are pleased with a wonderful appetite and lack of hassle.

How will other aquarium fish feel with it?

Polypherus Senegalese - a territorial fish, besides predatory. This should be remembered, since at night he is fully capable of hunting anything that is smaller than him. If an aquarium is small or polyptyus in it lives a lot, there may be clashes between relatives. Therefore, do not endanger other pets, it is better to put an additional aquarium.

These are bright and interesting fish, so if you are still thinking about who you want to see in your aquarium, pay attention to them.