.....................................Lungfish
Other names:...........Unknown Origin:......................Zaire river basin Max size:..................33" PH:............-..............6.6-7.4 Temperature:...........77-85 F. Min tank size:..........150 gallons Food:.........................Live foods, meat |
The Lungfish is a true carnivore. Their bodies are powerful, elongated and eel-like. The base color of the fish is brown, and it has many darker speckles sprayed all over. Dorsal and Anal fins are long-based, while the pectoral fins are very slim. The eyes are small and blue.
Lungfishes are very interesting specimens. They can live through the dry season through what is called aestivation. They bury themselves into the mud, curl up into a ball, and secrete a mucus which hardens to form a cocoon. They can then live through the dry season until the next rainfall. In captivity, the aquarium must be large, with a deep substrate made out of sand or mud. Plants are highly recommended for the Lungfish environment. These are dirty fish that like to dig in the substrate, so an efficient filtration system is needed.
It is best to keep these fish in their own tank, as they are fearless and will attack almost anything that moves, including human hands. They are rarely imported, and may be illegal to keep in some or even all states.
Lungfish are carnivorous predators that relish live foods. They will, however, eat almost anything meaty such as fish or beefheart.
Water conditions can vary heavily. PH can be on either side of neutral, and the fish can live in low-oxygenated waters for extended periods of time. Keep the water warm.
During spawning time, males are said to have subsidiary breathing apparatus in the form of threadlike appendages to the pectoral fins. Females lay the large-yolked eggs in dug-out holes in the substrate, while the male guards them viciously.
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