Id this bichir please

fattiger

Candiru
MFK Member
Jul 9, 2012
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Where the Amazon meets the Mekong
This is eyeballed at 8 inch and was labeled as a teugelsi at a LFS when I bought it but I doubted based on the color, the lateral bands, and head shape, but I have not seen enough of them to know for sure. Would appreciate all you experts to id it for me thanksIMG_6382.JPGIMG_6386.JPGIMG_6385.JPGIMG_6383.JPG
 
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rayoddballfish

Blue Tier VIP
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May 2, 2017
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Definitely got more than what I paid and hoped for

What specific traits made you say it being wc and nigerian?
The skinny look and headshape is a giveaway that this is a wild caught fish. Captive breed lapradei look significantly different. The color, pattern, everything makes me pretty certain this is the more commonly available Nigerian species. I have kept 2 throughout the years. Some of the other species like koloton, Koliba have different patterns and colors.
 

Caveden

Redtail Catfish
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Jul 21, 2020
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This is eyeballed at 8 inch and was labeled as a teugelsi at a LFS when I bought it but I doubted based on the color, the lateral bands, and head shape, but I have not seen enough of them to know for sure. Would appreciate all you experts to id it for me thanksView attachment 1552505View attachment 1552506View attachment 1552507View attachment 1552508
Nice pickup. Looks like WC Nigerian polypterus bichir “lapradei”. I have one too from Yobe.
It's a lap for sure but I am inclined towards a CB one given frog eyed specimen
Looks to be WC. CB specimens have a more obvious froggy eyed look to them and few cb laps have headshape similar to this, besides Nigerian laps.

Given how skinny it looks is probably from them being starved before transportation and the long journey to wherever you live, indicating high chance it’s WC as well.
 
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rayoddballfish

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May 2, 2017
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It's a lap for sure but I am inclined towards a CB one given frog eyed specimen
Froggy eyed specimens can come with time or malnourishment. Given the headshape and body shape this is most definitely a wild caught specimen. With proper care and maintenance should outgrow the "froggy" look.
 
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