Marbled Lungfish [Protopterus]

Description

Protopterus is a genus of African lungfishes, which are known for their ability to survive in drought conditions by burrowing into mud and entering a state of estivation. Members of this genus possess a set of primitive lungs, allowing them to breathe air, an adaptation to their often oxygen-poor aquatic environments. They have elongated, eel-like bodies, small pectoral and pelvic fins, and a diphycercal tail. Their diet includes various aquatic organisms, including fish and invertebrates. Protopterus species are of considerable interest to scientists studying the evolutionary transition from fish to tetrapods.

Species

Marbled Lungfish [Protopterus aethiopicus]

View Details

Taxonomy