It is a typical example of polypterid fishes, as most of its defining physical features are common across the genus, such as its ancient, lungfish- or arowana-like appearance, the ability to breathe atmospheric oxygen, and its armor-like scales.

Polypterus senegalus is an elongated fish, usually grey or beige in color, though sometimes displaying shades of white, pink or blueish; albino individuals also occur.

Its body is covered in rhomboid-shaped, multilayered scales, with very subtle patterns and occasional darker blotches or dots.

P. senegalus has poor eyesight, and relies largely on sense of smell and subtle movements when detecting prey.

[8] The large, paddle-like pectoral fins attach just behind and below the gill openings, and are their primary means of locomotion, providing a slow, graceful appearance.

This fish exhibits sexual dimorphism, where the males are generally smaller than the females and have a thicker anal fin.

[8] The fish has a pair of primitive lungs instead of a swim bladder, allowing it to periodically breathe atmospheric oxygen from the surface of the water.

[7] They are opportunistic ambush predators, moving slowly and cautiously, and occasionally hiding, to capture their prey.

[citation needed] This species of bichir is found in lakes, river margins, swamps, and floodplains of tropical Africa and the Nile river system, it occurs in at least twenty-six African countries which include Senegal, Egypt, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Chad, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Ivory Coast, Tanzania, Sudan, Nigeria, Gambia, Uganda, and others.