West African lungfish

Protopterus annectens

A stout elongated fish with filamentous paired fins and a blunt head.

A stout, elongated fish with filamentous paired fins and a blunt head; its blotches are variable.

Adult length: Up to 100 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 24–30 °C
Lifespan: Up to 23 years

Native range: Africa: large Sahelian basins, Comoé River, Bandama River and some basins of Sierra Leone and Guinea (Protopterus annectens annectens) , upper Congo River, middle and lower Zambezi basin and all east coast rivers south to the Limpopo River , and Lake Rukwa (Protopterus annectens brieni).

Natural habitat: Usually inhabits seasonal floodplains, also occurring in swamps and backwaters; some habitats dry completely each year.

Unobstructed air access and a secure lid with an air gap are essential.

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Appearance and identification

South American lungfish also has filamentous fins but often becomes uniformly brown. African patterns vary; provenance and morphology matter more than colour.

Same-species behaviour

Conspecifics and tankmates can suffer bites despite earlier coexistence.

Space requirements

Maximum 100 cm SL; plan a 180 × 75 cm base for a single adult.

Diet and feeding

Worms and suitable animal foods, sometimes pellets, are accepted. Small fish risk predation.

Aquarium environment

Keep the surface accessible and secure heavy decor.

Sources