Scientific Name
Polypterus retropinnis
Common Name
West African bichir
Biology
Dorsal
spines
: 7 to 9;
Anal
spines: 1215;
Vertebrae: 57 - 58. Subcylindrical body. Jaws mostly about the same length, the upper jaw sometimes a little longer than lower jaw. Internostril distance 14.3-18.0% of head length. Predorsal length 55.7-63.2% of SL. Number of dorsal finlets: 7-9. First dorsal spine narrow, 4.6-6.1% of head length. Number of dorsal and caudal rays: 13-16. Pectoral fin not reaching dorsal fin origin. Ganoid scales : 56-58 lateral line scales; 30-38 scales around body; 26-34 predorsal scales, 40-46 prepelvic scales. Dorsal surface of the body is gray or brown colored, well separated from the ventral surface, which is yellowish. Reticulated pattern on dorsal side with olive-colored spots ; also lower jaw with black spots, which separates it from Polypterus palmas