Africa: West Africa (Senegal, Gambia, Niger, Volta and Chad basins) (Ref. 2835, 3188, 81263) up to the Nile basin (Ref. 2835, 3188) and lakes Turkana (Ref. 3188) and Albert (Ref. 41590, 48922, 48960) (Polypterus senegalus senegalus). Also known from the middle and upper Congo River basin (Ref. 2835, 3188, 4910, 45434) (Polypterus senegalus meridionalis).