African Lungfish

Lungfish have changed very little in appearance since they first evolve over 400 million years ago. They range in size from 60 to 200 cm. The African lungfish has two lungs which enables them to breath when the water has dried up. There are four African lungfish species. The Protopterus annectens, however is the most common in aquariums. Lungfish are carnivores and are best kept in their own tank. They are considered to be fearless and they will attack almost anything that moves, including the hands of humans. Lungfish are rarely imported and they may be considered illegal in some states. The Lungfish can survive in almost any type of water conditions, as well as an area that has a low supply of oxygen.
Although there is a very dry climate in Africa, the African lungfish is able to survive drought by "hibernation". The African lungfish digs itself into a mud hole and curls up in a chamber that is lined with mucus and breaths out of the mouth. During this time the mud hardens and the lungfish remains there until the next rainfall. However, sometimes this can be deadly for the lungfish, because the urine can poison its body. When it is time for spawning, males are said to have breathing in the form of threadlike appendages. The females lay their eggs in dug-out holes, while the male guard the eggs with all his might.
Their main diet consists of frogs and small fish.
Photos by Dusko Bojic