Polypterus ID Mix-Up?

[KrabbeAquatics]

I just picked this guy up today and he was labeled as a Polypterus Palmas, but I myself believe it is a Polypterus Lapradei. Can anyone verify this for me?

 

[kevinfleming21]

That is a Lap

 

[Greg31]

I would agree with you. I have two just like it

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[KrabbeAquatics]

The main thing that gave it away for me is the prominent lower jaw. I believe all the Palmas varieties haver prominent upper jaws like the Senegalus, Orante, and Delhezi. I only paid $30 for him this size so I think I got a pretty good deal as well.

The other possibility I thought of was a Polypterus Bichir, but I still believe it's a Lapradei.

 

[kevinfleming21]

It's a Lap for sure, but you got a nice price on him.

 

[anarekist]

pretty good looking lap

 

[KrabbeAquatics]

It's a Lap for sure, but you got a nice price on him.

Without actually measuring him, I'd say he's about 8"-9". I was expecting to pay atleast $50+ for this species in this size.

pretty good looking lap

Thanks!

 

[KrabbeAquatics]

P.S.

I may be getting hired at the shop I picked this guy up from. Maybe I can give them some lessons on Polypterus species
No offense to the current employees there, but a lot of them don't realize what they have in stock. A few fish are mislabeled, but I'm glad to straighten things up for them lol
Regardless of that, their prices are really good compared to most LFS around here. Any they carry a lot more oddballs and exotic species than other shops as well.

 

[KrabbeAquatics]

Anyone know the best/easiest way to tell the difference between P. Lapradei and P. Bichir? I'm sure mine is a Lap, but I do know these two are very similar in appearance.

 

[tokyogasmask]

Head shape, body markings, head markings, finlet count and Lateral line scale count.
I can assure you it's a Lapradei, not P.Bichir Bichir.