Animal Profiles
Fish

Lungfish

Dipnoi

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Lungfishes combine life in water with air breathing. This account follows the West African lungfish, which can survive seasonal drying by sheltering in a mucus-lined chamber in the ground.

West African lungfish (Protopterus annectens) photographed in an aquarium.

West African lungfish (Protopterus annectens) photographed in an aquarium.

At a glance

Location
Protopterus annectens is the representative described here. It occupies African river backwaters, floodplains, swamps and lake margins. The cited source includes regional forms with differing ranges and food habits.
Habitat
Rivers and lakes, Wetlands
Diet
Omnivore
Food
Molluscs and other animals supply food, while plant material is important in some populations.

Classification

Common name
Lungfish
Browse group
Fish
Scientific name or taxon
Dipnoi
Source classification
Sarcopterygii

Three things to know

  • It must breathe air.
  • Its paired fins are threadlike.
  • It can form a cocoon during drying.

Habitat and range

Protopterus annectens is the representative described here. It occupies African river backwaters, floodplains, swamps and lake margins. The cited source includes regional forms with differing ranges and food habits.

Appearance and adaptations

A long body carries thin, threadlike paired fins. Air breathing is essential to this species. Its body and fin shape differ substantially from those of the Australian lungfish.

Diet and behaviour

Molluscs and other animals supply food, while plant material is important in some populations. When wetlands dry, the fish can enter a dormant state inside a protective cocoon. Males attend eggs and young.

Sources

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