Species Profile: Polypterus senegalus

Description:   A hardy, "primitive" fish with paddle-like pectoral fins used for slow, deliberate locomotion, and a pair of primitive lungs that allow it to gulp atmospheric air in addition to respiring through its gills. Two subspecies are widely recognised: P. s. senegalus and the "giant" subspecies, P. s. meridionalis, which grows considerably larger and has a heavier body than the nominate form. A possible third, as yet unnamed, population from the Nile River has also been proposed, but it has not been formally described.

Category:   All Others

Global Region:   Africa

Distribution: