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i was at my local pet store and i saw a fish labeled 'marbled senegal'. i've looked all over for info on this fish, but i think it ceases to exist. i think the store owner mislabeled it. it is about 4 inches brown looks kind of like an eel, it has a fin on either side of its body and moves like a snake. if anyone can tell me what this fish is that would be great.

Its a bichir (not an eel at all), and either a Senegal (Polypterus senegalus) or a marbled (Polypterus palmas polli). Both are primitive, air-breathing, nocturnal predators that reach 10"-14" in length, are not fussy about water parameters, not agressive, but always hungry, and are my favourite fish (I have 50 bichirs). I could (and have) go on for hours, so please feel free to ask me any specific questions you may have.

Bichirs are amazing fish! My favorites too. I got my senegal bichir as a cheap, mislabelled fish... I'm not entirely sure the bichir you're looking at is a senegal, or maybe it's a special breeder kind-- they're coming out with albinos and short bodied senegals lately, afterall...

Anyway, they're fantastic fish. Non-aggressive-- in fact, I had a PLECO who picked on mine-- and very hardy. Mine's survived EVERYTHING-- hemorrhagic septicemia, pop eye, ammonia spikes, being moved to a new tank without acclimatization (oops...I was a newbie).

Worth the investment if you have a tank big enough They like places to hide, and are primarily nocturnal. Make sure you have sinking food for them.