South American Lungfish

Lepidosiren paradoxa is found throughout the Amazon and Paraná-Paraguay basins in South America and is the sole member of its family. Unlike African lungfish it possesses thread-like, reduced pectoral and pelvic fins rather than fleshy lobe-fins. Males guard the egg nest and their pelvic fins temporarily grow blood-vessel-rich filaments during breeding that supplement oxygen to the developing eggs.

Water: 24-28°C, pH 6.0-7.5, soft, slightly acidic; regular water changes essential. Tank: Minimum 500L, fine deep substrate for burrowing, surface access at all times, very robust lid. Feeding: Carnivore; earthworms, prawns, fish; reluctant to accept artificial foods initially. Behaviour: Generally less aggressive than African lungfish but still predatory toward all tankmates. Compatibility: Species tank strongly recommended; no practical community options.