African Lungfish (8-9”)

Scientific Name

Protopterus annectens 

Maximum Size and Lifespan

• Size: Can grow up to 40–100 cm (16–40 in) depending on species. Some species like Protopterus aethiopicus can reach nearly 2 meters (6+ ft) in the wild.

• Lifespan: Very long-lived, often 20 years+ in captivity, with reports of some living over 30 years.

Recommended Aquarium Size, Water Change & Care

• Tank Size: A minimum of 180 gallons for an adult. Juveniles can be raised in a 30-125 gallon tank for better observation

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 75–86°F (24–30°C)

  • pH: 6.0–8.0 (moderately flexible)
    

• Water Changes: 25–40% weekly, as they are messy eaters and produce a lot of waste.

• Care Needs: They require strong filtration, a tight-fitting lid (they are escape artists and must surface for air), and a tank with open swimming areas and hiding spots. Substrate should be sand or fine gravel, as they like to burrow.

Tankmates

• Best kept alone.

• They are aggressive predators and will attack or swallow most fish and even large tankmates.

• Only possible companions are very large, armored fish (like some large bichirs or armored catfish), but even then, risk is high.

Diet

• Carnivorous / Opportunistic

• In the wild: feed on fish, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans, and even plant matter when food is scarce.

• In captivity:

  • Fish fillets, shrimp, crayfish, earthworms, mussels, and other meaty foods.

  • Occasional pellets or carnivore sticks.

  • Should not be overfed, as they are prone to obesity.

Overview

The African lungfish is one of the oldest surviving lineages of fish, often called a "living fossil." They are unique for their ability to breathe atmospheric oxygen using a lung-like organ, allowing them to survive in stagnant or oxygen-poor waters. During droughts, they can aestivate (enter a dormant state) by burrowing into mud and forming a mucus cocoon, surviving months without water.

Natural Environment

• Found across much of Africa, inhabiting rivers, swamps, floodplains, and seasonal wetlands.

• Adapted to environments where water levels fluctuate dramatically.

Breeding

• Breeding in captivity is extremely rare.

• In the wild:

  • Occurs during the rainy season.

  • Males dig burrows where eggs are laid.

  • The male guards the nest and young.

• Captive breeding is not common due to their size, space requirements, and difficulty in replicating seasonal changes.

✅ Summary:
African lungfish (Protopterus annectens) are fascinating, prehistoric fish best suited for very large, single-specimen aquariums. They require stable water quality, meaty foods, and minimal tankmates due to their predatory nature. While hardy and long-lived, their size and care needs make them suitable only for advanced aquarists.