Fin's Fish Guide
The Slender lungfish (Protopterus dolloi) is a freshwater fish of the family Protopteridae that grows up to 130 cm.
Fresh water of Central Africa, in the Congo basin, in swamps, floodplains and slow-flowing rivers.
Description
The slender lungfish is an elongate, eel-like freshwater fish of the family Protopteridae reaching about 1.3 metres. The brown body has threadlike pectoral and pelvic fins and a long fin fringe running around the pointed tail. Unlike ordinary fish it has true lungs and must gulp air at the surface regularly; this lets it survive in oxygen-poor swamp water and endure drought, buried in a mucus cocoon in the mud. The species comes from the Congo basin in Central Africa and lives in swamps, floodplains and slow water. At night it hunts molluscs, crustaceans, insects and small fish. With its powerful jaws and tooth plates it can bite hard; it is locally a valued food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Slender lungfish?
The Slender lungfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Elongate, eel-like lungfish with thread-like fins and true lungs; can breathe air and survive drought in a mucus cocoon.
Where does the Slender lungfish live?
The Slender lungfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of Central Africa, in the Congo basin, in swamps, floodplains and slow-flowing rivers.
How big does the Slender lungfish get?
The Slender lungfish grows to a maximum of about 130 cm.
Is the Slender lungfish dangerous to humans?
The Slender lungfish can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans. A large fish with powerful jaws that can bite when handled; keep fingers out of the mouth.
Is the Slender lungfish edible?
Yes, the Slender lungfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
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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 Slender lungfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Slender lungfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.