Spotted Lungfish
Spotted Lungfish
Spotted lungfish (scientific name: Protopterus dolloi) are a type of air-breathing freshwater fish that is native to the Congo River Basin in Africa.
They are one of the largest freshwater fish in the world and can grow to be up to 10 feet in length!
Spotted lungfish are very unique fish and have a number of features that set them apart from other fish species. For one, they have a pair of lungs in addition to gills, which allows them to survive in water with very low oxygen levels.
They are also able to survive out of water for long periods of time by aestivating (burrowing into the mud and essentially going into a state of hibernation).
Due to their unique features and large size, spotted lungfish are not a common choice for most aquariums. However, they are popular among fish enthusiasts and are definitely an interesting fish to keep!
The recommended minimum tank size for a spotted lungfish is 125 gallons. This is a very large and active fish that needs plenty of room to move around. It’s also a messy fish that produces a lot of waste, so a large and well-filtered tank is a must.
Spotted lungfish are a bit more challenging to care for than some of the other fish on this list. They come from Africa and prefer murky, stagnant water with very little flow.
This can make things difficult when trying to maintain water quality in the aquarium. It’s important to do regular water changes and to use a good filter.
You should also be aware of the potential for parasites. These fish are often wild-caught and may not have been treated for parasites before being imported. It’s always a good idea to treat new fish before adding them to your aquarium.
Here are a few guidelines for keeping spotted lungfish healthy and happy.
- Water temperature: 73 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit
- pH levels: 6.5 to 7.5
- Water hardness: 4 to 15 dGH
- Alkalinity Levels: 3-8 dKH