Dragon Loaches??

[Bill2183]

Hi,

Does anyone know anything about dragon loaches? I have searched the internet looking for a pic and have been unable to find anything about them.

Thanks for any help.

 

[Allivymar]

Never heard of em; they don't show up on a google search either. Is that a pet store name? You may want check www.loaches.com to see what type of loach you have.

 

[Scottw68TN]

I hate when stores are so stupid they just make up a name when they can not id a fish!

 

[Scottw68TN]

Could it be an arowana / Dragon Fish / Gobioides broussonetti/ Violet Gobies.
Too many names for that one

 

[Terry]

The only fresh water Dragon fish i know is the Violet Goby (Gobioides broussonetti).They are quite differant to basic gobies because of the elongated body.

 

[Bill2183]

This fish was a murky green, very eel like and about 5 - 6 inches long. It had fins and a tail.

The fin on his back was almost the entire length of his body and was jagged like a dragon's tail or saw teeth.

I hope this will help someone ID the fish for me.

Thanks for all of your input.

 

[madasafish]

Other possibility is that it is a Polypterus senegalus meridionalis (subspecies of the senegalus species). Try this link: http://www.aquajapan.com/encyc/ancient/polypteridae/polypterus/senegalusmeridionalis_e.html

The specimen I had was darker than this one, but the same in shape. If it is this fish, and you've bought it, get ready to a) buy a 180 gallon tank or b) return the fish. It grows to a whopping 2.2+ feet. I returned mine (as it had been mislabeled as a Polypterus palmas)!!! Also, search around through the Polypterus genus--others include the delhezi, ornatipinnis species (quite beautiful).

The only other fish I can think of is a water dog...

 

[madasafish]

BTW, Polypterus species usually go by the name "bichirs," pronounced correctly as it would sound in French "bi-SHEER." Most ppl in the states pronounce them "bikers." Stores that know what they're talking about use the genus name, Polypterus.

 

[Bill2183]

Except for the coloring that definately looks like the fish. THe one I saw was a darker green. Kind of like a pond scum green.

Thanks for the info and the web site. Based on what you have told me I will not get this one. I did not realize how large it would get.

 

[madasafish]

Yeah. I expect it was still a senegalus meridionalis specimen, as the coloration is almost always a browner/greener color.

Mind you, if you have a giant tank, I expect these guys would be a LOT of fun! They'd be the size of small alligators after a while!!!!!! Ropefish, same family, get to a meter in length.

One fine day when I make it big, I'll get that 500 gallon tank I've always dreamed of! Maybe I'll put these guys in with some arrowanas!