How difficult is it to keep South American lungfish?

Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.

What is the ideal temperature for South American lungfish?

The ideal temperature for South American lungfish is 24〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

How large does South American lungfish get?

South American lungfish typically reaches Up to 125 cm TL (FishBase) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed South American lungfish?

South American lungfish feeds on: Omnivore (fish, shrimp and shellfish, plant matter). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for South American lungfish?

The price of South American lungfish varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

South American lungfish

Q: What is the lifespan of South American lungfish?

The average lifespan of South American lungfish is Maximum reported age 8 years (FishBase); captive lifespan poorly documented. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

Advanced

Lepidosiren paradoxa

The only lungfish in South America: eel-like with thread-like fins, and an obligate air-breather that drowns without surface access. It exceeds 1 m, so lifelong care needs a very large tank.

Difficulty

Advanced

Temperature

24〜28℃

Lifespan

Maximum reported age 8 years (FishBase); captive lifespan poorly documented

Size

Up to 125 cm TL (FishBase)

Diet

Omnivore (fish, shrimp and shellfish, plant matter)

About

Lepidosiren paradoxa is the sole member of its family and the only lungfish known from South America, in a different family from the African Protopterus. It ranges widely through the Amazon, Paraguay and lower Paraná basins. FishBase gives a maximum of 125 cm TL and a maximum reported age of 8 years. It lives in stagnant swamps and backwaters; its gills are so reduced that it drowns if denied access to air. In the dry season it burrows 30-50 cm into mud and lowers its metabolism. It breeds in the rainy season, when males guard eggs and young in a burrow and develop feathery, blood-rich structures on the pelvic fins. Juveniles are black with gold spots. Captive breeding has not been reported. Juveniles occasionally reach Japanese specialist shops as 'ancient fish'; buyers should confirm they can provide a tank for a fish that reaches over a metre.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lifespan of the South American lungfish

The South American lungfish lives Maximum reported age 8 years (FishBase); captive lifespan poorly documented.

Size of the South American lungfish

The South American lungfish grows to Up to 125 cm TL (FishBase).

Temperature & humidity for the South American lungfish

The ideal temperature for the South American lungfish is 24〜28℃.

Basic Info

Origin

South America (Amazon, Paraguay and lower Paraná basins)

Lifespan

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Lepidosiren paradoxa Fitzinger, 1837

Synonyms: Lepidosiren articulata Ehlers, 1894, Lepidosiren dissimilis Castelnau, 1855, Lepidosiren giglioliana Barbosa Rodriguez, 1886

Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF · FishBase

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern

Not listed in the CITES Appendices (checked on Species+). Not regulated under Japan's Invasive Alien Species Act. It exceeds 1 m, so plan for lifelong housing and never release it into the wild.

Sources: Species+ (CITES) / FishBase

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.