Common Name: Albino African Lungfish
Scientific Name: Protopterus sp. (albino)
Other Names: Albino Lungfish
The Albino African Lungfish is a unique and fascinating freshwater fish known for its elongated, eel-like body, thread-like paired fins, and distinctive albino coloration. It lacks the darker patterning of wild-type lungfish, giving it a pale, creamy-pink body. African lungfish breathe atmospheric air using true lungs and must be able to reach the surface to do it, making this an extraordinary addition to any aquarium.
Species Note: Albino African lungfish are rare wild-caught mutants. In the trade they are most often sold as the Marbled Lungfish (Protopterus aethiopicus) or the Slender Lungfish (Protopterus dolloi), and albino West African Lungfish (P. annectens) are also known. Young lungfish of these species look much alike, and albinos lack the color pattern that normally helps tell them apart. P. dolloi is the most slender and elongate African lungfish and has more scales along the side (about 85-95, versus 55-70 in P. aethiopicus). We list this fish as Protopterus sp. until its species is confirmed. Care is essentially the same, but P. aethiopicus can grow much larger.
Habitat and Distribution: African lungfish inhabit swamps, floodplains, and slow-moving river margins in tropical Africa, where the water is warm and the bottom is soft mud. All of the species sold as albinos occur in the Congo River basin of Central Africa. P. dolloi is found in the lower and middle Congo and in the Ogowe and Kouilou-Niari basins. P. aethiopicus ranges through the Congo basin, the Nile basin, and the East African great lakes.
Size and Lifespan: Plan for a fish of at least 3-4 feet (90-120 cm). Maximum recorded wild sizes are about 100 cm (39 in) for P. annectens, 130 cm (51 in) for P. dolloi and 200 cm (79 in) for P. aethiopicus. African lungfish are long-lived, and captive fish have lived more than 20 years. Ensuring a proper diet, clean water, and adequate space are crucial for their longevity and well-being.
Diet and Behavior: In the wild, Marbled Lungfish feed mainly on snails and other mollusks, with some fish and insects, while Slender Lungfish eat fish and insects and more plant matter during the breeding season. In an aquarium, they should be fed a varied diet of live or frozen foods such as fish, shrimp, earthworms, and high-quality carnivorous pellets. They can also consume vegetable matter like spinach or peas. These fish are generally solitary and can be territorial, and they will not tolerate other lungfish. They can survive in low-oxygen water because they breathe air.
Breeding and Reproduction: Breeding Albino African Lungfish in captivity is rare and challenging due to their specific environmental needs and behaviors. In the wild, the male digs a nest or burrow in the mud, and the female spawns there. The male then guards the eggs and young. Replicating these conditions in an aquarium setup is difficult.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements: To keep an Albino African Lungfish, an adult needs a tank with at least a 6 x 2.5 ft footprint (72 x 30 in, roughly 265 gallons), and a big P. aethiopicus needs more. The tank should include a soft, sandy substrate and hiding spots made from smooth rocks and driftwood. Keep the lighting dim and the water movement gentle, and use efficient filtration. Regular water changes are crucial to keep the environment clean and stable. A tight, gap-free lid is necessary because lungfish are excellent escape artists. Leave roughly 6 inches of air space between the water surface and the lid so the fish can breathe.
Ideal Tank Mates: Albino African Lungfish are best kept alone. They are unpredictable and can bite chunks out of tankmates, even after living peacefully with them for a long time. If housed with other fish, tank mates must be large and robust, and careful monitoring is essential.
Difficulty Level: Advanced. While they are hardy and adaptable, their large size, powerful bite, and long lifespan require a real commitment and a well-maintained, large aquarium. They are best suited for experienced aquarists.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
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pH: 6.0-7.5
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General Hardness (GH): 4-12 dGH
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Carbonate Hardness (KH): 2-8 dKH
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Ammonia: 0 ppm
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Nitrite: 0 ppm
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Nitrate: <20 ppm
Additional Information:
- The Albino African Lungfish's unique appearance and ability to breathe atmospheric air make it a fascinating addition to any aquarium, providing both visual interest and a touch of prehistoric charm.
- African lungfish can survive droughts by aestivating: they burrow into the mud and seal themselves in a mucus cocoon until the rains return. In an aquarium they never need to do this.
- Handle with care. Lungfish have strong tooth plates and can deliver a painful bite.
Restrictions:
Banned or permit required in Hawaii, Maine and New Mexico. Check your state's rule in our list of illegal fish by state.
