Polypterus Palmas vs Polypterus Senegal

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D Realist

Gambusia
MFK Member
Jul 27, 2012
201
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Weehawken, NJ
I am planning to add a polypterus to my tank and I have two LFS that have some. One has a few Palmas and the other has a Senegal. I am new to these fish so I was wondering what is the difference other than apperance? Is the care level between the two any different? What about maximum size or activity level? The Palmas is about $13 more than the Senegal, would it be worth the extra money? Any information will be appreciated.
 
Palmas is prettier, senegalus might be more active but palmas is not shy either. Palmas also USUALY grows bigger than a senegalus but senegalus CAN grow much larger but these wont. Count on palmas around 30cm and senegalus maybe 25cm
 
There is no such thing as palmas!! Palmas is not a a species or sub-species!! You have palmas polli, palmas palmas, & palmas buettikoferi. All three look different from each other & are different fish whether part of the "palmas" complex or seperate species as a whole.
 
framcosco said:
There is no such thing as palmas!! Palmas is not a a species or sub-species!! You have palmas polli, palmas palmas, & palmas buettikoferi. All three look different from each other & are different fish whether part of the "palmas" complex or seperate species as a whole.
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+1
 
In the store they just had it listed as Polypterus Palmas, so I don't know exactly which it was. Judging by the pictures I have seen on the net they may be Palmas Polli, but I am not 100% sure. They look grayish but they have a checker patteren.
 
So basically what you are saying is that the growth ceiling for the senegalus is higher than the palmas, but the palmas will more likely grow larger. Will the senegalus be noticably more active?
 
D Realist said:
So basically what you are saying is that the growth ceiling for the senegalus is higher than the palmas, but the palmas will more likely grow larger. Will the senegalus be noticably more active?
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the growth rate of a senegal is faster than the growth rate of any of the 3 Palmas species IME.

in regards to bichir activity, my 10" WC palmas palmas is more active than my 12" WC senegal so in reality it really depends on the individual fish. In most experiences from people, senegals are considered to be the most active of bichir species
 
I'm a fan of the Senegal myself; although their color is a bit plain, they are very active.

My Senegal is a ham and swims non stop, he even swims with his back breaking the surface of the water to make wakes.
 
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