Common Name: West African Lungfish
Scientific Name: Protopterus annectens
Other Names: African Lungfish
The West African Lungfish is an elongated, eel-like fish with a unique and prehistoric appearance. It has four long, thin, tentacle-like pectoral and pelvic fins, which it uses mainly for touch and to "walk" along the bottom. Its body is covered in mucus, giving it a slightly slippery appearance. It has a pair of true lungs and is an obligate air breather, which means it must reach the surface to breathe. That lets it survive in oxygen-poor water and through droughts that would kill most other fish.
To cope with the dry seasons in its habitat, the West African Lungfish can aestivate. Aestivation is a dormant state, often compared to hibernation, but it's a response to drought and heat rather than cold. As the water dries up, the lungfish chews its way into the mud and hollows out a chamber, where it rests with its nose pointing up. When the chamber dries out, it secretes mucus that hardens into a thin cocoon, which reduces water loss. It keeps breathing air through a small tube leading to the surface, and its metabolic rate drops sharply so it can live off stored energy. Aestivation usually lasts from one wet season to the next but can go on for more than a year. Once the rains return and the water comes back, the lungfish breaks out of its cocoon and becomes active again. Lungfish kept in an aquarium never need to aestivate.
Habitat and Distribution: This species lives in floodplains, swamps, marshes, and the backwaters of rivers and lakes, many of which dry out for part of the year. It is widespread in West Africa, from Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone east through the large Sahelian river basins, including the Niger, Volta, and Lake Chad basins. A second subspecies, P. annectens brieni, is found farther south and east, from the upper Congo to the Zambezi and the east-coast rivers south to the Limpopo.
Size and Lifespan: In the wild the West African Lungfish can grow up to 39 inches (100 cm) in length, while captive specimens will typically reach around 24 to 30 inches. With appropriate care, this species can live 20 years or more.
Diet and Behavior: The West African Lungfish is mainly carnivorous. In the wild it feeds on snails and other mollusks, fish and frogs, and it also eats plant material such as seeds and roots. In an aquarium setting, they can be offered a diet of pellets or frozen and live foods, such as fish fillets, earthworms, mussels, and shrimp. They don't need to be fed every day. This lungfish is generally slow-moving and spends much of its time resting on the substrate.
Breeding and Reproduction: Breeding in captivity is rarely, if ever, achieved. In the wild, they spawn during the rainy season. The male builds a nest among aquatic plants, and the female lays her eggs in it. The male then guards the eggs and young, and keeps fresh water moving over the eggs with body and fin movements.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements: A large aquarium is required for this species: an adult needs a tank with at least a 6 x 2.5 ft footprint (72 x 30 in, roughly 265 gallons). A soft substrate such as fine sand, dim lighting, and a few hiding spots made from smooth rocks and driftwood suit them well. Good filtration with gentle water movement and periodic water changes will help maintain a clean environment. The lid must be tight and gap-free. Leave roughly 6 inches of air space between the water surface and the lid so the fish can breathe.
Ideal Tank Mates: The West African Lungfish is best kept alone. Lungfish are unpredictable and can bite chunks out of tankmates, even after living peacefully with them for a long time, and they will not tolerate other lungfish. Small fish or invertebrates will be seen as food.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Advanced. Their care isn't overly complex, but given their potential size, powerful bite, and long lifespan, 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: 6.5-7.5
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General Hardness (GH): 4-12 dGH
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Carbonate Hardness (KH): 3-10 dKH
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Ammonia: 0 ppm
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Nitrite: 0 ppm
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Nitrate: <20 ppm, preferably lower
Additional Information:
- The West African Lungfish's ability to breathe air and survive in low-oxygen environments is a testament to its adaptability and resilience.
- It is one of only six living lungfish species in the world, and it's the lungfish most often seen in the aquarium hobby.
- Their ancient appearance offers aquarists a glimpse into the primitive days of fish evolution.
- It's essential to secure the aquarium lid, as lungfish have been known to push lids or jump out when seeking air or during periods of increased activity.
- 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.
