Palmas Bichir (Polypterus palmas)

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 of P. palmas and 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 looking P. polli by 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.