How difficult is it to keep West African Lungfish?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

What is the ideal temperature for West African Lungfish?

The ideal temperature for West African Lungfish is 25〜30℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

What is the lifespan of West African Lungfish?

The average lifespan of West African Lungfish is 15+ years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does West African Lungfish get?

West African Lungfish typically reaches Up to about 100cm and 4kg as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What is the typical price for West African Lungfish?

The price of West African Lungfish varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

West African Lungfish

Q: What should I feed West African Lungfish?

West African Lungfish feeds on: Fish, earthworms and crustaceans; omnivorous and also takes plant matter. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

Intermediate

Protopterus annectens

An African lungfish that breathes air with true lungs. In the dry season it burrows into mud and rests over a year inside a cocoon of dried mucus. It reaches 1m and 4kg and crushes prey with powerful jaws.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

25〜30℃

Lifespan

15+ years

Size

Up to about 100cm and 4kg

Diet

Fish, earthworms and crustaceans; omnivorous and also takes plant matter

About

Protopterus annectens is an African lungfish ranging from the large Sahelian basins and the Comoe and Bandama rivers to the upper Congo and the middle and lower Zambezi, reaching 100cm and 4kg. It is an obligate air breather that must surface for a gulp of air roughly every half hour. When its habitat dries out it burrows some 30-45cm into the mud and aestivates inside a cocoon of dried mucus, normally from the end of one wet season to the start of the next, though fish have survived over a year in the cocoon and up to three and a half years without food. It is omnivorous, taking fish, earthworms, crustaceans and plants, and crushes prey with strong jaws. Keep it at 25-30C. In the wild males build nests and guard the eggs and fry; eggs of about 4mm hatch in around a week, and captive clutches of about 200 eggs are reported, but breeding in aquaria is difficult.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lifespan of the West African Lungfish

The West African Lungfish lives 15+ years.

Size of the West African Lungfish

The West African Lungfish grows to Up to about 100cm and 4kg.

Temperature & humidity for the West African Lungfish

The ideal temperature for the West African Lungfish is 25〜30℃.

Basic Info

Origin

Africa: large Sahelian basins, Comoe and Bandama rivers, upper Congo, middle and lower Zambezi

Lifespan

Care Specifications

Water Temp.: 25–30℃

AggressiveSolitaryBreeding: Hard

Sources: FishBase: Protopterus annectens / Wikipedia (en): West African lungfish

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: Protopterus annectens Owen, 1839

Authority databases: FishBase

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern

Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List

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