Fin's Fish Guide
The Lungfish (Protopterus aethiopicus) is a freshwater fish of the family Protopteridae that grows up to 200 cm.
Description
The marbled lungfish (Protopterus aethiopicus) is a large African freshwater fish of the family Protopteridae that has true lungs and must breathe air. The species has an elongate, eel-like body with a grey, dark-marbled skin and thread-like paired fins, and can reach about two metres. It inhabits river and lake fringes, swamps and floodplains of eastern and Central Africa. During drought it burrows into the mud and survives for months in a cocoon of mucus. As a carnivore it feeds on mollusks, fishes and invertebrates, which it processes with powerful tooth plates. The species has the largest genome of all vertebrates.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Lungfish?
The Lungfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Has true lungs and must breathe air; survives drought in a mucus cocoon and has the largest genome of all vertebrates.
Where does the Lungfish live?
The Lungfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Rivers, lakes and swamps of eastern and Central Africa.
How big does the Lungfish get?
The Lungfish grows to a maximum of about 200 cm. On average the species is around 130 cm.
Is the Lungfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Lungfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Lungfish edible?
The Lungfish is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Protopterus
More from the family Protopteridae
Want the complete picture on the Lungfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Lungfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.