NCI 2024
    Groups
    Mammals Birds Amphibians Reptiles Myxini – Hagfishes Petromyz' – Lampreys Sharks & rays Animals Holocep' – Chimaeras Ray-finned fishes Dipneusti – Lungfish Gastropoda – Snails & slugs Coelac' – Coelacanths Insecta – Insects / bugs Arachnida – Spiders & scorpions Malacostraca – Malacostracans Diplopoda – Millipedes Bivalvia – Marine molluscs Cephalopoda – Squids & octopuses Chilopoda – Centipedes Pycnogonida – Sea spiders Merostomata – Horseshoe crabs More Classes
    Filters

    Regions

    See AllSelect

    Habitat

    See AllSelect

    Dipneusti – Lungfish

    Showcases remarkable adaptations allowing them to thrive on land and sea

    Lungfish, a remarkable group of freshwater fish, have evolved to thrive in various environmental conditions, making them a fascinating subject of study and conservation. Their existence can be traced back over 400 million years through fossil records, placing them among Earth’s oldest extant vertebrate groups. This long evolutionary history offers a unique window into the early stages of vertebrate development and the transition from aquatic to terrestrial life.

    One of the most striking characteristics of lungfish is their dual respiratory system, which sets them apart from many other fish. In addition to gills for underwater respiration, lungfish possess a specialized set of lungs. Depending on the species, these lungs come in various structures and play a pivotal role in their survival. Lungfish have the extraordinary ability to extract oxygen directly from the air, enabling them to breathe atmospheric oxygen when submerged or on land. This remarkable adaptation demonstrates their versatility and resilience in fluctuating environmental conditions.

    A remarkable facet of lungfish biology is their capacity for survival during harsh conditions. Some species can endure extended periods of drought by burrowing into mud and entering a state of aestivation. During aestivation, lungfish remain dormant until more favorable conditions, such as the return of water, allow them to resume their normal activities. This unique strategy for surviving adverse conditions showcases the ingenuity of nature and the tenacity of these ancient fish.

    Did you know?

    • There are only three surviving genera of lungfish: Neoceratodus (Queensland lungfish), Lepidosiren (South American lungfish), and Protopterus (African lungfish).
    • They are known for surviving extreme conditions by entering aestivation wherein they can lower their metabolic rate and rely on stored energy reserves to endure prolonged periods of drought or low water conditions.