Taxonomic identifications and wild populations are distinct from commercial lines. Aquapedia marks uncertainties and never invents pedigrees, awards or collection localities.
Identity
Heterotis niloticus belongs to a related African bonytongue lineage rather than being another Scleropages or Osteoglossum species.
Biogeography
Native Nilo-Sudanian / western African freshwater basin populations and introduced populations occur in different countries or drainages. A single country can contain both native and translocated drainage records.
Food and husbandry
Unlike classic aquarium dragonfish, African bonytongues take diverse small aquatic foods, invertebrates, seeds and plankton; they should not receive a one-size-fits-all piscivore diet.
Research sources
Sources support the relevant claims discussed above; unresolved local records remain under review.