Palmas Bichir (Polypterus palmas)

Description

The Palmas or Shortfin Bichir was long known as a subspecies (P. palmas palmas) in the so-called palmas complex but recent taxonomic work has clarified the position of the 3 subspecies in that complex, with the Gold Dust Bichir (P. palmas buettikoferi) now recognized as a color form of variant ofP. palmasand the Marbled Bichir (P. polli) being elevated to its own species. This species is found throughout West Africa from Senegal to Ghana with a variety of regional color forms known. It can be distinguished from the similar lookingP. polliby an overall lighter pattern, spotted pectoral fins, and 7-9 dorsal fin rays. In the aquarium, they are hardy and undemanding, and with a maximum size of around 14 they are more manageable as adults than some of their larger relatives. Like all bichir specie they should be kept with a tight-fitting and possibly weighted lid as they will attempt to jump if spooked or at night.