African Lungfishes [Protopteridae]

Description

The family Protopteridae includes African lungfishes, which are found in freshwater habitats across Africa. This family comprises several species divided among the genera Protopterus and Lepidosiren. African lungfishes exhibit a notable adaptation to their environments: they can survive in dried mud for extended periods (up to several years in some cases) by entering a state of aestivation. Their elongated, eel-like bodies are equipped with both gills and lungs, which allows them to breathe air when water oxygen levels are low. Their diet mainly consists of fish, invertebrates, and detritus. African lungfishes are also characterized by their paired lung structure, unlike the single lung seen in South American lungfishes.

Genera

Taxonomy