Fishician®Diet
Carnivore – earthworms, fish chunks, frozen shrimp, mollusks; eats infrequently (once a week or less)
Aquarium species profile
African Lungfish
Protopterus annectens · Africa (West and Central Africa — seasonal floodplains)
Minimum tank150 gal
Adult size30"
Care levelDifficult
TemperamentAggressive
Temperature75–86°F
pH range6.5–8.0
Compatible tank mates
None — species-only tank
Tank mates to avoid
Every other fish and invertebrate (will eat or injure)
Care notes
One of the most ancient fish alive — lineage dates to 400 million years ago. Breathes air using actual lungs — must have access to the surface. Can aestivate (hibernate) in dried mud for years in the wild. Extremely long-lived (80+ years). Fascinating but aggressive and destructive. Truly a living fossil.
Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.