South American lungfish

Lepidosiren paradoxa

A long, eel-like lungfish with slender short paired fins. Adults are often uniformly brown; juvenile gold spots do not represent adult colour.

Adult length: Up to 125 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 24–28 °C
Lifespan: Up to 22 years
pH: 6–8
Hardness: 2–20 dGH

Reported maximum 125 cm SL requires specialist facilities. Maintain surface air access, an air gap and escape-proof cover.

View comparison →

Appearance and identification

A long, eel-like lungfish with slender short paired fins. Adults are often uniformly brown; juvenile gold spots do not represent adult colour. Both this species and West African lungfish have filamentous paired fins. Brown adult colour contrasts with many African blotched individuals, but colour alone is insufficient for identification.

Same-species behaviour

Direct captive observations report conspecific biting, so a general peaceful label cannot justify cohabitation.

Space requirements

Reported maximum 125 cm SL requires specialist facilities. Maintain surface air access, an air gap and escape-proof cover. Source base reference: 240 × 90 cm; not verified stocking capacity.

Diet and feeding

Consumes molluscs, other animal foods and some plant material. Snail feeding does not make it a maintenance-free snail-control fish.

Compatibility limits

Secure heavy decor and reserve surface access and ample space; unsuitable for small planted tanks.

Sources