The ropefish or reedfish is the only member of its genus (Erpetoichthyes) in the family Polypteridae

POLYPTERUS

The family Polypteridae (larger group Cladistia, Polypteriformes) consists of the most primitive Actinopterygians (ray-finned fishes), the bichirs and rope fish.  All members of Polypteridae are found in Africa.  Members of this group are characterized by numerous dorsal finlets (number varies with species), lobe-supported pectoral fins, and ganoid scales (similar in appearance to those of the gars).

Polypterids have two lungs and are obligate air-breathers.  Young polypterids possess external gills which are lost as the fish matures.

The ropefish (also known as reedfish, Erpetoichthyes calabaricus) differs from Polypterus spp. in its lack of pelvic fins and much more elongate body.

See species below, more images coming soon!

Genus: Erpetoichthyes

Ropefish (Erpetoichthyes calabaricus)

max size (wild): 37cm

Genus: Polypterus*

 

upper-jaw protrusion                                        lower-jaw protrusion

 

Polypterus delhezi                                               Polypterus bichir lapradei

Polypterus palmas polli                                     Polypterus bichir bichir

Polypterus senegalus                                         Polypterus endlicheri endlicheri

Polypterus palmas buettikoferi                     Polypterus ansorgii

Polypterus palmas palmas**                         Polypterus endlicheri congicus

Polypterus teugelsi

 

Polypterus ornatipinnis

Polypterus weeksii

Polypterus retropinnis

 

Polypterus mokelembembe

 

*color grouping based on recent molecular phylogeny by Suzuki et al. 2010.

**estimated placement of species