Australian Lungfish
Neoceratodus forsteri
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Range and habitat:
The Australian lungfish lives in slow-flowing
rivers and still water (including reservoirs) where some aquatic vegetation
present on banks. It lives over mud, sand, or gravel bottom.
Natural diet:
This fish is mostly carnivorous, consuming frogs,
tadpoles, small fish, freshwater shrimp and earthworms. At The Toledo
Zoo they are fed smelt worms and a gel diet. They are also known to eat
the fruit we put in the tank for the turtle that lives with them!
Size / weight range:
The oldest one in an aquarium has lived at the Shedd Aquarium for 80 years. They can weigh 88 pounds and grow to over 5 feet long.
Interesting facts:
The Australian lungfish has a single lung,
while all other species of lungfishes have paired lungs. During dry periods
when streams become stagnant, or when water quality changes, lungfishes
have the ability to surface and breathe air.
Endangered species status: Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Location at The Toledo Zoo:
Aquarium
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