Diet
Australian Lungfish are primarily carnivorous when young, feeding on small invertebrates, insects, and crustaceans. As they mature, they become more omnivorous, consuming a wider variety of prey including fish, amphibians, and plant matter.
Average lifespan
Australian Lungfish are extremely long-lived. Wild fish are thought to live for many decades, and one individual at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium lived to about 95 years.
Size
Australian Lungfish are large, elongated fish. They typically grow to lengths of about 1 to 1.5 meters (3.3 to 4.9 feet), although individuals exceeding 2 meters (6.6 feet) have been reported.
Weight
Adult Australian Lungfish can weigh anywhere from 20 to 40 kilograms (44 to 88 pounds).
About
Australian Lungfish are native to the rivers and lakes of eastern Australia, particularly found in the Burnett and Mary River systems in Queensland. They are one of only six extant species of lungfish in the world and are often considered living fossils due to their ancient lineage.
Size and behavior
Australian Lungfish have adapted to survive in low-oxygen environments by possessing a unique respiratory system that allows them to breathe air. They have elongated bodies with paired fins and a single lung-like organ, which they use to take in oxygen from the air. They are primarily nocturnal and are most active during the night.
Diet and nutrition
Australian Lungfish have a varied diet that changes as they mature. Juveniles primarily feed on small invertebrates and crustaceans, while adults consume a wider variety of prey including fish, amphibians, and plant matter. They use their strong jaws and sharp teeth to capture and consume prey.
Tropical Rivers & Lakes
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Conservation status
Australian Lungfish are classified as Endangered by the IUCN. They are found naturally in only a few river systems in southeastern Queensland, and dams and weirs, which disrupt their spawning habitat, are among their biggest threats. They are protected by law in Australia.
Fun fact
Australian Lungfish are often referred to as “living fossils” because they have remained relatively unchanged for over 100 million years, making them one of the oldest extant vertebrate species on the planet. They are considered a living link to the early evolution of vertebrates and provide valuable insights into the history of life on Earth.
Common Name: Australian Lungfish
Also known as: Gregory
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