full grown dinosaur bichir

3 min read 17-10-2024

The Ancient Fish That Walks: A Look at the Full-Grown Dinosaur Bichir

The dinosaur bichir (Polypterus senegalus) is a fascinating and ancient fish that has captivated the attention of aquarists and researchers alike. Its unique appearance, with its long, slender body and fringed fins, evokes images of prehistoric creatures that roamed the earth millions of years ago. This article delves into the intriguing world of the full-grown dinosaur bichir, exploring its biology, behavior, and care requirements.

A Living Fossil: Understanding the Dinosaur Bichir's Evolutionary History

The dinosaur bichir's name hints at its ancient origins. It belongs to the Polypteridae family, a group of fish that first appeared in the Late Devonian period, around 380 million years ago (Benton, 2015). These "living fossils" have survived mass extinction events, showcasing remarkable resilience and adaptability. They represent a critical link between the past and the present, providing valuable insights into the evolution of vertebrates.

From Tadpole to Titan: The Dinosaur Bichir's Growth and Appearance

When young, dinosaur bichirs resemble tiny tadpoles with long, slender bodies and tiny, fringed fins. As they mature, they develop their distinctive features, including:

Elongated, cylindrical body: This shape helps them navigate through dense vegetation in their natural habitat.
Fringed fins: These modified fins act as "walking" appendages, enabling them to move across land for short distances. This unique adaptation is attributed to their lung-like structures, which allow them to breathe air (Long, 2011).
Dorsal fin: Their dorsal fin is a continuous, ribbon-like structure that runs along their back, providing stability and maneuverability in the water.
Gills and lungs: They possess both gills and lungs, making them amphibious and able to survive in oxygen-deprived environments.
Color: Their color ranges from olive green to brown, with darker spots and stripes.

Full-grown size: A full-grown dinosaur bichir can reach a length of 24-30 inches, making them one of the larger species of bichir.

The Dinosaur Bichir's Life in the Wild: Habitat and Diet

In the wild, dinosaur bichirs inhabit rivers, lakes, and swamps across Africa. They prefer slow-moving, oxygen-poor waters with plenty of vegetation, which provides them with shelter and protection from predators.

Their diet consists primarily of insects, crustaceans, and small fish. Their unique feeding strategy involves ambushing prey with lightning-fast speed, thanks to their powerful jaws and sharp teeth (Graham, 1997).

Bringing the Ancient Fish Home: Caring for a Dinosaur Bichir

Aquarium size: A full-grown dinosaur bichir requires a spacious aquarium, ideally 55 gallons or larger, to allow for ample swimming room.

Water parameters: They prefer slightly acidic water with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The water should be soft to medium hardness, with a temperature range of 75-82°F.

Aquarium setup: Provide plenty of hiding places using rocks, driftwood, and aquatic plants. They appreciate a sandy substrate, which mimics their natural environment.

Feeding: Offer a varied diet of live, frozen, and commercial food, such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and sinking pellets.

Social behavior: Dinosaur bichirs are generally peaceful fish, but they may become aggressive towards smaller tank mates. They are best kept solitary or with other large, robust fish species.

The Dinosaur Bichir: A Unique and Rewarding Addition to Your Aquarium

The dinosaur bichir is a fascinating and rewarding fish to keep. Its ancient lineage, unique appearance, and interesting behaviors make it a captivating addition to any aquarium. Providing a suitable environment and a proper diet will ensure a long and healthy life for this remarkable creature.

References:

Benton, M. J. (2015). Vertebrate Palaeontology. John Wiley & Sons.
Graham, J. H. (1997). Air-breathing fishes: Evolution, diversity, and adaptation. Academic Press.
Long, J. A. (2011). The rise of fishes: 500 million years of evolution. The Johns Hopkins University Press.