West African Lungfish

West African Lungfish key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

15+ years

Size

Up to about 100cm and 4kg

Temperature

25〜30℃

Diet

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

Tank

This fish reaches 1m and needs a tank to match. Always leave clear access to the surface for air breathing, and fit a lid to prevent jumping.

Water Temperature & Quality

25-30C. It is large and eats heavily, so maintain water quality with powerful filtration and regular water changes.

Tank Mates

An omnivore that crushes prey with powerful jaws, it will eat any fish small enough to swallow. It does not suit community tanks and is normally kept alone.

Diet & Feeding

Feed mainly animal foods such as strips of fish, shrimp and earthworms; being omnivorous it also takes plant matter. Keep hands clear at feeding time because the bite is powerful.

Breeding & Spawning

Males build nests in the wet season and guard eggs and fry. Eggs are about 4mm across and hatch in around a week. Captive clutches of about 200 eggs are reported, but breeding in aquaria is hard.

Health & Notes

As an obligate air breather it surfaces roughly every half hour, so never block access to the surface. The jaws are strong, so keep hands out during maintenance too.

About West African Lungfish

West African Lungfish (Protopterus annectens), an ancient African fish that breathes air and survives the dry season by aestivating in mud. Growing to roughly 100cm and 4kg, this large, powerful species is best kept alone and suits intermediate keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a West African Lungfish

1. 1Best Kept Alone

   The West African Lungfish can be aggressive toward both its own kind and other fish, so solitary housing is the standard approach. If you're considering tankmates, you'll need a very large tank and careful planning.

2. 2An Air-Breathing Fish

   It has lungs and can breathe air at the water's surface, letting it survive even in water with low dissolved oxygen. Make sure the tank always has open space at the surface so it can reach air.

3. 3Needs a Large Tank

   Fully grown, it reaches roughly 100cm in length and 4kg in weight. Plan for a large tank sized for its adult form from the start, along with a strategy for upgrading as it grows.

4. 4Powerful Bite Force

   Its strong jaws can easily crush food, so choose sturdy plumbing, heater covers, and decorations for the tank. Fragile parts can be damaged if bitten.

5. 5Burrows in the Dry Season

   In the wild, it burrows into mud during the dry season and rests for an extended period inside a cocoon of dried mucus. Seeing this behavior in captivity is natural, not a sign of a problem.

6. 6Water Quality & Feeding

   As a carnivore, it produces a fair amount of waste, so frequent water changes and strong filtration are essential. Remove uneaten food promptly to prevent water quality from declining.

7. 7A Secure Lid Is a Must

   This is a powerful fish prone to jumping out of the tank. Use a sturdy, gap-free lid to prevent escapes.

Frequently asked questions about West African Lungfish

Q.Can it live with other fish?

A.Because it can be aggressive and grows quite large, solitary housing is generally recommended. If you do attempt tankmates, you'll need a very large tank and careful, ongoing monitoring for compatibility.

Q.How big a tank does it need?

A.Since it can reach roughly 100cm in length and 4kg in weight as an adult, a large tank sized for its full-grown form is necessary. It's wise to plan for that eventual size even while it's still young.

Q.It burrowed into the substrate and stopped moving — is that normal?

A.Burrowing into mud and resting inside a cocoon of dried mucus during the dry season is a natural behavior for this species. That said, if you're concerned about a sudden change, it's worth checking your water quality and temperature.

Q.Is this fish suitable for beginners?

A.The West African Lungfish is considered suitable for intermediate keepers. Prior experience with large fish and knowledge of water quality management and tank equipment will make keeping one much easier.

Q.Is this species listed under CITES?

A.The West African Lungfish is not subject to CITES.

Useful tools for West African Lungfish care

Learn more about West African Lungfish in the encyclopedia

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