Queensland Lungfish (Neoceratodus forsteri)

The Queensland lungfish or Neoceratodus forsteri is one of the eight remaining species of Lungfish on the planet.  Like other Lungfish it has the ability to survive outside of water for days.  Not quite as impressive as the African Lungfish which can survive outside of water for years!

Also known as the Australian lungfish, Dala, Burnett salmon or the Barramunda, this ancient freshwater fish is the last surviving member of the family Ceratodontidae and order Ceratodontiformes. These fish are found exclusively in the following river systems, Mary, Burnett, Albert, Brisbane, Coomera and the Stanley rivers.

Queensland Lungfish can grow to about 5' in length and can weigh as much as 95lbs with females tending to be a bit larger then their male counterparts. If you manage to catch one of these fish you will notice that they are covered in a slime when they are out of the water.

Like other Lungfish this fish actually has to ability to breath air from the surface when the water levels become low or with poor oxygen levels, often during the dry season. This odd characteristic makes them a favorite in an aquarium setting where they can be fed earthworms, frogs and other kinds of meat to feed their carnivorous appetite.  You can learn more about the Queensland Lungfish in the videos below... 







If you have any additional information about the Queensland Lungfish please leave us a comment below.

African Lungfish (Protopterus Annectens)

The African Lungfish or Protopterus annectens is a fish that can literally survive for years without water! This fish has a special organs that are as close to lungs as any fish in the world. During the dry season the African Lungfish will burrow in the moist ground and then secrete a mucus that covers all of its body except its mouth. This serves as a cocoon of sorts. These African Lungfish will breath through their mouth until the dry season is over and then awakens from its state of hibernation. Native Africans have been known to find the African Lungfishes burrow and dig it up and store it for a meal at a later date! These fish are quite strange looking with an eel like appearance and skinny fins that look more like tentacles. These fish can grow to a maximum of 200 cm and are considered to be vicious predators. Although rarely kept in aquarium if you encounter one of these fish be careful and don't stick your hand in the tank as they will bite! African Lungfish will normally eat smaller fish and frog in the wild. To learn more about this amazing fish check out the video below...

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