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Leopard LungfishAfrican Lungfish ~ Marbled LungfishFamily: Protopteridae Protopterus aethiopicus aethiopicusLatest Reader Comment - See More I have recently got a 12 inch lungfish and he is missing his 2 back legs; will they grow back he is eating wel?l alan olyott Unlike its relatives, the Leopard Lungfish (also called Marbled Lungfish and African Lungfish) is an attractive lungfish!Leopard Lungfish - African Lungfish Contents Because of it spotted or marbled pattern, it's easy to see why the name "Leopard" is used for this variety of lungfish. It is also known by the common names Marbled Lungfish and African Lungfish. Most of the other species of lungfish, although still interesting and worthwhile to keep, are relatively drab looking when compared to this species. Leopard Lungfish live in streams and swamps that may dry up completely during the dry season. They can burrow down leaving a small hole for breathing. Mucous will form around its body to help seal in moisture. While in this state, its metabolism will decrease which allows it to survive for many months underground. When the rains come again, it will come out of the mud to resume its life as a fish. The fish pictured here is probably Protopterus aethiopicus congicus although it's difficult to be 100% sure without knowing where it was collected. There are at least 3 subspecies of Protopterus aethiopicus and although all are similar, there are some significant differences, especially where maximum size is concerned. The species most likely to show up for sale is Protopterus aethiopicus congicus. For more Information on keeping freshwater fish see: |
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Distribution: The Leopard Lungfish, also known as the African Lungfish and Marbled Lungfish, was described by Heckel in 1851. All three subspecies of this fish occur in Africa where they inhabit river and lake fringes, swamps and floodplains.
- Protopterus aethiopicus aethiopicus is found in the Nile River; and in Lakes Albert, Edward, Victoria, Nabugabo, Tanganyika, and Kyoga.
- Protopterus aethiopicus congicus and Protopterus aethiopicus mesmaekersi are found in the Congo River basin.
Status: The species is not listed on the IUCN Red List.
Description: The body of the Leopard Lungfish is smooth, elongated, and cylindrcal with deeply embedded scales. The tail is very long, becoming slender until it thinly tapers off at the end. The pectoral and pelvic fins are also very long and thin, almost spagetti-like. The newly hatched young have branched external gills much like those of newts. After 2 to 3 months the young transform (called metamorphosis) into the adult form, loosing the external gills for gill openings.
These fish have a yellowish gray or pinkish toned ground color with dark slate-gray splotches, creating a marbling or leopard effect over the body and fins. The color pattern is darker along the top and lighter below.
Size - Weight: Protopterus aethiopicus aethiopicus - up to 6½ feet (200 cm)
Protopterus aethiopicus congicus – up to 3¼ feet (100 cm)
Protopterus aethiopicus mesmaekersi – up to 3 feet (95 cm)
Care and feeding: Since they are carnivores, the Leopard Lungfish will eat all types of protein foods. They need meaty live, fresh dead or frozen foods to eat such as small fish, chunks of fish, earthworms, shrimp or crawfish. The easiest source of food is fish; live, dead or in pieces. The next easiest will be insects, shrimp, crayfish, clams or most any living animal that is not quick enough to escape their vacuum like mouth. Tongs can be used to hold food in front of them to make sure it is eaten quickly and won't have a chance to foul the water.
Lungfish are slow growers but no matter which species you have, be prepared to eventually provide a home for a relatively large fish. They are not particularly active so a 60 gallon tank should be big enough for most home grown specimens. Lots of swimming space is not necessary. Ideally they like a fairly shallow tank, 12 inches (30 cm) is plenty, a muddy bottom, and dense vegetation. However this fish must be able to reach the surface to breathe, so make sure the water's surface is clear of obstructions or else they will drown.
Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom: Other than when it is breathing, the Leopard Lungfish will spend most of its time on the bottom of the aquarium.
Acceptable Water Conditions: Temp: 77 - 86° F (25 - 30° C)
Social Behaviors: This fish is best kept alone because it is too slow to compete with other species for food but especially because it will most likely try to eat any other animals kept in the same tank with it, including other lungfish. They aren't aggressive but may try to eat anything that will fit into their mouths. Although other large fish may survive in the tank with them, there is always the chance that the lungfish may attack or be attacked by other fish. In the case of the lungfish, this will not be caused by aggression but by hunger.
Breeding/Reproduction: Has not been bred in captivity. In the wild, spawning generally occurs in the rainy season. The eggs are laid in muddy deep holes and guarded by the male even after hatching into larvae. The young (larvae stage) breath through branched external gills much like those of newts. After 2 to 3 months the young transform (called metamorphosis) into the adult form, loosing the external gills for gill openings.
Availability: The Leopard Lungfish, also called African Lungfish or Marbled Lungfish, are commonly available but the price will most likely be high. It is definitely a candidate for a special order.
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