African Lungfish - West African

Protopterus annectens is native to the seasonal floodplains and rivers of West and Central Africa. During the dry season it burrows into mud and secretes a protective mucous cocoon, entering aestivation and breathing air through a small opening. In captivity it requires a mud or sand substrate deep enough to burrow, surface access for air breathing, and sole housing due to its extreme aggression. It is a powerful biter capable of inflicting serious wounds. Despite this, it is rewarding to keep and exceptionally long-lived.