South American Lungfish

South American Lungfish

The South American lungfish lives in the swamps of the Amazon basin and will eventually grow to nearly four feet. At maturity these creatures no longer use their gills and periodically rise to the top of the tank like a slow moving whale and suck in air.  In smaller sizes these fish adapt well to most aquariums, but they will eat small critters that can fit into their small mouth. Generally frozen food is all they need but when under six inches small black worms, feeder shrimp, and feeder fry work best.

Lungfish are solid black and when small like to stay in the leaves of plants when not feeding, so a few floating plants, plastic or natural, will help simulate their natural habitat. When they grow large they go just about wherever they want. 

• Scientific name: Lepidosiren paradoxa
• Origin: Peru
• Lifespan: 25 years
• Max size: 48 inches
• Food: Pellet, frozen, live feeders
• Shipping Size: Approx: 3 inches