Aquarium fish Polypterus

The intriguing and ancient species Polypterus, often known as "dinosaur fish," has piqued the curiosity of aquarium enthusiasts all over the world. It is distinguished from other aquarium fish by its ancient look and unusual habits.

These fish are distinguished by their long bodies,

What does a water dragon look like

Scientists believe that the first polypteruses, representatives of the family of the same name Polypterus, lived on the planet in the Cretaceous period. The archaic structure of the skeleton, consisting of cartilage (like rays or sharks), also speaks of ancient origin. Polypterus – lungfish. In the process of evolution, their swim bladder acquired the shape of a lung, so water dragons can do without water for a long time. True, they breathe atmospheric air as long as the body retains moisture. In the dry season, the fish burrows into wet mud. The unusual arrangement of the cranial plates, as well as the presence of ganoid scales, also indicate an ancient origin. It contains a special substance – ganoin, its strength can be compared to tooth enamel.

The polypterus is known as a "water dragon" because of its eel-like body shape and up to eighteen pieces of spikes on its back. Their structure is distinct; gentle rays shaped like a comb are joined to a robust spike at the rear. While some polypteruses can reach lengths of up to 100 cm in the wild, most species can be successfully bred at home because they don’t get much larger than 40 cm in an aquarium.

Such a "shark" has scales on its serpentine body that resemble diamonds. The ventral fins are situated closer to the rear of the body, and the oval tail fin is employed if the body needs to accelerate. With two bones and a dividing cartilage, the powerful and fleshy pectoral fins help the polypterus push off the bottom and give it its distinctive swimming gait. Since the polypterus relies heavily on its sense of smell for hunting rather than its eyesight, it has a large mouth and well developed nostrils. Particularly when they are young, sexual differences are not communicated.

Experienced fish keepers often choose Polypterus, a fascinating and ancient species of aquarium fish, because of its hardy nature and distinct, almost prehistoric appearance. With its capacity for both air and water breathing and its predilection for larger aquariums with lots of hiding places, Polypterus is an intriguing addition to any well-kept aquarium as well as an exciting challenge.

Aquarium species of polypterus

Africa, including the lakes and swamps of the western portion of the continent, the equatorial region, and the basins of the Congo and Nile, is thought to be the home continent of Polypterus. Fish are frequently found in drying puddles when rivers recede back to their banks following a flood. Because polypterus are always in need of atmospheric air, they are more attracted to muddy, shallow rivers with a gentle flow. They can find their prey in the thickets with ease thanks to their excellent sense of smell.

Two subspecies exist in Polypterus. Calamoichthys calabarensis, also known as the Chinese dragon, is a species under the genus Erpetoichthys. Its snake-like body moves through the water at a speed akin to a dragon’s flight, and it can grow up to 90 cm in nature. A greenish dragon with bright orange fins can grow up to 45 cm in length in an aquarium.

There are roughly ten different species of Polypterus; the table lists the most well-known ones.

Care and maintenance

The aquarium needs to be at least 200 liters due to the size of adult individuals. Since the polypterus can seep into even the smallest crack and easily escape, it needs a sturdy lid. It won’t last long on the floor; at the very least, the skin will become parched and eyesight will be lost. All openings intended for cables or hoses ought to be sealed for the same reason.

The underwater dragon requires a minimum house size of 120 by 40 cm or 180 by 60 cm. Its preference is for a bottom area that is easier to access for air intake, rather than a deep chamber.

There must be an air space between the water’s surface and the lid because atmospheric air is essential to polypterus. You can choose the type of soil (sand, pebbles, etc.). Since all of the waste that remains on the bottom after feeding the fish, preference should be given to a fraction that makes cleaning and maintenance easier. Maintain an adequate number of stone, snag, or blunt ornamental shelters; polypterus are nocturnal creatures that spend the day inside their shelters. For the same reason, install a special blue lamp that simulates moonlight so they won’t require bright lighting.

Polypterus require excellent aeration and filtration of their water with an external filter; they require a weekly water change of 20% of the aquarium’s volume.

The ideal temperature ranges for polypterus maintenance are 24–30 °C, 6.0–8.0 gH, and 5–25 gH for acidity.

You can plant any kind of plant in the aquarium because the water dragons are not drawn to its flora. Since they can easily be pulled out of the ground after an active hunt, it is important to secure them well. Hard-packed, broad-leafed algae and moss work well for this.

Sentimentality is sometimes suspected in polypterus. Actually, when they try to hide from danger—bright lighting, sudden temperature changes—they "faint." In 30 minutes, the fish will come to life when you adjust comfortable parameters.

In good conditions, polypterus can survive in captivity for up to fifteen years with the right care.

Reproduction and breeding

Only experienced aquarists can breed polypterus. Fish spawn from July to October. A stimulating factor that imitates the rainy season can be acidification and softening of the water, heating by a couple of degrees. During this period, the behavior of the fish changes: they swim in pairs, rub against each other, the male bites the fins of the female. A few days after such mating dances, the female throws sticky black eggs directly into the "hands-fins" of the betrothed, folded like a ladle. He will distribute the future offspring himself, it is only important to lay more moss or sponges for them. Do not forget to remove the eggs immediately so that they do not end up with the newly-made parents for dinner. The breeding tank with eggs also needs good aeration and frequent water changes (up to 10% of the volume).

For eight days, the emerging larvae consume the yolk sac for food. They have gills, just like tadpoles. Sort the fry right away. The ones that are growing and developing faster than their relatives will bite off their gills, eliminating any chance of survival. The fish no longer require daily sorting once they are five centimeters in length. Microworms, or Artemia nauplii, can now be fed to them.

How to distinguish a male from a female

Polypterus does not exhibit sexual characteristics. The anal and dorsal fins of an adult female can be identified from those of a male by their differences in thickness, width, and spatulation. They get larger during the mating season. Females typically have a larger, more pronounced abdomen, a slightly wider head, and narrower, more pointed back feathers. Young polypterus cannot be distinguished at all by sight.

Feeding a predator

In their natural habitat, polypterus consumes mollusks, small fish, worms, insects, and larvae. You can survive in an aquarium with dry food meant for predators. Polypterus consume the food at the bottom, gulping it down whole. Sinking tablets are a convenient way to feed the dragon because they are the perfect size and sink right to the bottom. In the absence of tablets, big sinking granules will work as well. Use floating sticks for cichlids to treat your tame polypterus if it accepts food from your hands. Select the feeding mode on a per-person basis.

To think about it, polypterus won’t eat in strong light or on the surface.

Moreover, aquatic dragons consume any protein-rich food:

• shrimp,
• tubifex,
• mussels,
• chopped beef heart and veal,
• bloodworms,
• small live sea or river fish.

When someone is seven years old or older, their teeth have deteriorated, so they will thrive on plant-based diets:

• chopped lettuce, spinach, dandelion leaves;
• pieces of zucchini;
• finely chopped cucumbers;
• porridge and potatoes (in the form of mashed potatoes).

Large gluttons, polypterus should regulate the size of their portions in order to prevent overindulgence and obesity.

Compatibility with other aquarium inhabitants

As typical predators, polypterus can engage in combat over food, but this does not stop them from coexisting peacefully with other species of fish. Size is the primary factor in selecting neighbors because small fish are destined to end up as live prey for predators. When it comes to synodontis, black knives, butterfly fish, and other lake dwellers in Africa, Polypterus are extremely phlegmatic. You can add adult metinis, bream barbs, gourami, and astrotus if the size is appropriate.

If Polypterus and their relatives are of the same age, they get along well. While adults prefer their privacy, juveniles attend schools, so it’s critical that the aquarium has an adequate number of shelters.

It is best not to tempt fate with large, aggressive fish (such as snakeheads or cichlids). When the catfish tries to suck on the body, its mouth, which resembles a sucker, may irritate the polypterus. Because of its poor vision, the dragon can accidentally bite a large predator.

With their eye-catching appearance and fascinating behavior, polypterus fish are a unique addition to any aquarium. They are a favorite among enthusiasts due to their rugged appearance and prehistoric appearance.

They do need special attention, such as a large tank and a healthy diet, but the happiness they bring makes the effort worthwhile. Their capacity toadjust to

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