Polypterus Teugelsi

📖 Overview

Polypterus Teugelsi (Polypterus teugelsi) is a ray-finned fish of the family Polypteridae. It inhabits freshwater waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 41.5 cm. With a trophic level of 3.3, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 7 - 9; Vertebrae: 63 - 65. Diagnosis: Polypterus teugelsi is distinguished from all congeners by its unique live colouration comprising a network of black marks on an olive background on the dorsal and dorsolateral surface of the body, black pectoral fins, and an orange belly . It is further distinguished from species of the Polypterus bichir group by having the dorsal spines not extending anteriorly to the vertical through the posterior margin of the pectoral fin vs. extending to that point, 28-33 predorsal scales vs. 11-16, 7-9 dorsal spines vs. 11-18, and 37-40 scales around the body vs. 42-52 . It differs from all remaining Polypterus species, except P. ornatipinnis, by having more scales in the lateral line, 63-65 vs. 51-61 . It is distinguished from P. ornatipinnis in having 7-9 dorsal spines vs. 9-11, 28-33 predorsal scales vs. 22-27, 37-40 scales around the body vs. 40-42, and a very different colour pattern . It is distinguished from the similar Polypterus retropinnis in having a longer predorsal portion of the body, the predorsal length 46,7-54,8% of standard length vs. 55,7-63,2% and distance between pectoral fin and dorsal fin 18,3-25,2% of standard length vs. 30,2-42,6%; more prepelvic scales, 48-51 vs. 44-46; fewer predorsal scales, 28-33 vs. 33-36; more pectoral-fin rays, 40-42 vs. 26-32; more vertebrae, 63-65 vs. 57-58; in the absence of the distinct black blotch on the pectoral fin base vs. presence; and in the clour pattern of the dorsal and dorsolateral portions of the body, irregular dark marks forming a network vs. large dorsal black blotches . : elongated.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Polypterus Teugelsi is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; demersal; pH range: 7.4 - 7.5; dH range: ? - 1. Tropical; 25°C - 27°C

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

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