Lapradie and Bichir Bichir

[ancientfishfan]

Been a long time since I posted. Actually a really long time. Hope all are well.

I have a question since last time I was on these boards as there was some confusion as to what was a Lapradei and what was a true Bichir Bichir. Originally there was the extra dorsal fin count of 15-16 to distinguish the two. Then some monster 14 dorsal fin "Laps" started showing up and questions were raised about head shape and how far back the eye was from the gill and such to distinguish the species. What is the current consensus?

Reason I asked is that I just picked up a 21" Lap from the local fish store for $80. Because of it's dorsal fin count of 14, I believe it's a Lap. Just got curious and thought I'd ask you all / the experts. Thanks in advance.

 

[tokyogasmask]

Dorsal Finley count was never a 100% trait.
You have to take into consideration a number of things such as head shape, patterns where the patterns on the body start/end, lateral line scale count, size of head etc.

Bichir Bichir are no longer a "rare" fish anymore, not even really that expensive either, so it is always best to get one from a reputable seller who can confirm the catch location.

It's one of those cases where once you have seen enough Bichir Bichirs you can pretty much spot them a mile off.

I have owned some absolute monster Laps before, so if you bought your fish as a Lap, then it most likely is a Lap.
Hope that helped.

Post a pic if you like I can confirm it for you.

 

[ancientfishfan]

Thank you. That is very helpful. I'll try to get around to posting some pictures.

The fish was a turn in from a customer because it got too big. So I have no idea where it came from originally.

 

[nid]

I dunno if this would help but I will share pics of my Lap and PBB for u to compare. But even within the 2 variants themselves, the heads differ from fish to fish.

This was when I just got my PBB so excuse his faded colour.

Lap

PBB

 

[ancientfishfan]

Those are some nice pictures. I've never been able to take good shots of my fish. Here are some pictures of the new poly. Sorry about the dirty glass.

 

[nid]

Judging frm the shape of his head and the placement of the eyes, I would say its a lap. What a monster lap it is too.

 

[tokyogasmask]

That's a Lapradei for sure.

 

[life4rent]

Monster lap at $80. Good buy!

 

[ancientfishfan]

Thank for identifying him. He seems very happy as he ate within a half hour of being in the tank and I've seen him try to do his thing with a couple of the females already. It seems to be one healthy fish. LOL

I'll try to get some better pictures up later.

 

[julian270]

Haha I've got one just like this he's a beast! Mine also tries to pimp every female in my tank lol! He's the dominant one and also has had the most growth of the group.