ID BICHIR? PLS? :(:

Stanv03 · Feb 1, 2022

Anyone knows what type of Bichir this 2.5 inch baby is? Have had it for like 3-4 weeks now

itiwhetu · Feb 1, 2022

I think it is a colour morph of Polypterus oranatipinnis

Tacocat · Feb 1, 2022

@I Like Rare Fish might be able to help you out here.

Stanv03 · Feb 2, 2022

itiwhetu said:
I think it is a colour morph of Polypterus oranatipinnis

He was sold to me as a Delhezi, but you know right now he’s a juvenile and looks similar to many other bichirs so I wanted to get other’s opinion on this just to make sure.

I Like Rare Fish · Feb 2, 2022

Looks like a wild caught P. Delhezi. I’ll have to look some more.

I Like Rare Fish · Feb 2, 2022

Hmm. Perhaps take a look at Endlicheri Bichirs. Also, take a look at my Bichir Article. Read it, as it has very good information. Where did you get it from?

An Illustrated Article to the Bichir - Folio #1

Bichir (Polypterus) Informational Guide Polypterus Congicus Contents: Introduction Classification All Verified Species of Polypterus Housing Tankmates Behaviour Defensive Behavior Short Bursts of Speed Showing off Finlets Floating Feeding Behaviour Stomach Packing Perching Death Roll...

www.fishforums.net

I Like Rare Fish · Feb 3, 2022

Probably a Delhezi. Bichirs have the ability to naturally camoflauge. They will change colors slightly based on their surroundings. This is my Delhezi.

It is also unlikely someone would sell you an endli in replace of a Delhezi, as endlicheri are not as common as dels.

Caesar · Feb 3, 2022

It's an endlicheri. It's lower jaw is inconsistent with the skull shape of delhezi.

I Like Rare Fish · Feb 3, 2022

Caesar said:
It's an endlicheri. It's lower jaw is inconsistent with the skull shape of delhezi.

Mm Indont know. That is true, but Endlicheri’s are much more uncommon and expensive. Yes, it could happen, but it would be very rare.

For those who don’t know: Because of similar color patterns between bichirs, you have to look at body shape, specifically the jaw. Lower jaw bichirs have a longer lower jaw, whereas upper jaw bichirs have a longer upper jaw. I think the fish keeper needs to tell us what he thinks after looking at P. Delhezi and P. Endlicheri.

The pattern also looks a tab bit off, but all bichirs are unique.

I would also like to say that when my del was small, his head shape looked like an upper jaws. You can see him now, with an obvious overbite

Caesar · Feb 3, 2022

Up here in British Columbia senegalus are obviously the most common, ranging from $30-$40 on average for 2" from a non chain store. Then delhezi, ornatipinnis, and endlicheri are all next as the most widely available at 2" for $60-$70 depending on the store. Working in wholesale I can say even tuesgeli and ansorgii are pretty widely available from Asian farms these days, so they'll likely see a price drop soon as more stores are bringing them in, especially tuesgeli.

With regards to the pattern, it's not the quintessential pattern the whole way through, but I've seen multiple endlicheri with this pattern. The tail end of his fish has the same pattern as my adult though. You can compare their skull shapes and see they're both endlicheri here:

Then see my adult delhezi:

Caesar · Feb 3, 2022

One more comparison.

And here's one I just saw on Facebook with similar markings to his:

I Like Rare Fish · Feb 3, 2022

Yeah, Endlicheri seems to be it. Just wondering who would sell a endli in place of a del!

Stanv03 · Feb 4, 2022

I Like Rare Fish said:
Yeah, Endlicheri seems to be it. Just wondering who would sell a endli in place of a del!

My LFS called Premier Aquatics, it was the only one, and they didn’t even have a price tag on it, paid 60 bucks for him but I will soon be getting rid of him as he will get too big. I was growing him out to put him in my 125 gallon with my 2, 4-inch Oscar’s but I’ll probably go for a Ornate since the Captive bred orantes don’t get as big as wild caught.

Caesar · Feb 4, 2022

Stanv03 said:
My LFS called Premier Aquatics, it was the only one, and they didn’t even have a price tag on it, paid 60 bucks for him but I will soon be getting rid of him as he will get too big. I was growing him out to put him in my 125 gallon with my 2, 4-inch Oscar’s but I’ll probably go for a Ornate since the Captive bred orantes don’t get as big as wild caught.

You should be fine to grow him out for a few years before getting rid of him. Mine has been in my 210 gallon (7x2x2) for 2-3 years and is around 18".

I Like Rare Fish · Feb 4, 2022

I do not recommend Oscars and Bichirs together in that size tank or ever.

ID BICHIR? PLS? :(:

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