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Polypterus weeksii
Scientific name: Polypterus weeksii (Boulenger, 1898)
Common name(s): Weeks' bichir, Fat-headed bichir, Mottled bichir
Origin: Central Africa: Congo river basin
Max reported size (TL): 540mm (22")
Description: This species usually has a very clear distinction between the dark greyish-green dorsal surface
and the whitish ventral surface. Several dark bands are present which may fork towards the bottom.
The head is relatively large, giving rise to one of the common names of 'fat-headed' bichir.
This species retains external gills much longer than most other Polypterus species.
There are 9-11 dorsal finlets.
Comments: The Weeks' bichir seems to have a mild temperament and mixes well with other Polypterus species.
However, the large mouth is capable of swallowing surprisingly large fishes, so any tankmates must be much bigger than
the fish's mouth.
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