west african lungfish

Scientific name Protopterus annectens
Descriptor Owen
Year of description 1839
IUCN category (World) LC
Family Protopteridae
Genus Protopterus
Protopterus annectens Protopterus annectens

Introduction

Protopterus annectens, commonly known as west african lungfish, is a fresh water fish from the Africa.

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Who is it?

Morphology

  • Average size
    80 cm
  • Maximum size
    100 cm
  • Mimicry
    mud
  • Pattern
    mottling
  • Average size
    80 cm
  • Maximum size
    100 cm
  • Mimicry
    mud
  • Pattern
    mottling

How to recognize the west african lungfish ?

The west african lungfish measures between 80 and 100 cm. This fish is unicolore with a predominantly marron, beige and gris body. The also has noir and marron mottling.

Behaviour & Life cycle

  • diet
    carnivorous
  • Sociability
    solitary
  • territorial
    No
  • Way of living
    diurnal

The west african lungfish is a fish solitary naturally found on the bottom. This species is carnivorous .

Although the west african lungfish is non-territorial, it is sometimes aggressive towards other species.

Reproduction

  • Reproduction
    ovipare

The west african lungfish is a fish ovipare. This fish protects its eggs from nearby predators.

Harmless species

This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.

Where to find it?

Conservation status of populations (IUCN)

World : LC

Where to see this species?

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

  • Temperature
    25 - 30 °C
  • Flow
    Slow

Biotope presentation

The acidification of water comes from the decomposition of plants. This phenomenon changes the color of the water, which tends to turn brown. In some areas particularly rich in organic matter, the water is so dark that it is called "black water".

This animal evolves in areas characterized by a strong presence of vegetation (aquatic and marsh plants, decaying organic matter, roots...).

Species of the same biotope

To go further

To read on the web

Sources & Contributions

Participation & Validation

The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.

Adrien Falzon

Adrien Falzon

Translation

Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.

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Where to see this species?

Scientific partners

Species of the same biotope

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