[5] an elongated fish found in the Congo River, specifically in the upper and middle portions.

The species was named in honor of Belgian artist and naturalist Henri Paul Delhez (1870-1900), who collected type and provided life-history notes on bichirs based on interviews with locals; his collections and field observations were useful in the preparation of Boulenger's book on Congo fishes.

It is a rather unique species from a notably old group of fishes, possessing several traits than set them apart from their close relatives.

This functions as an accessory breathing organ and means the fish can survive out of water for some time, provided it is kept moist.

Although only found in nature in this small region of Central Africa, this species has been bred in captivity and has become a common fish for aquariums or aquarists.

[14] This preference for a meaty diet can be observed in both wild species as well as in those kept as aquatic pets, in which shrimp, prawn and mussels have been noted as the favored prey.