Did you know?
South American lungfish are dependent on being able to breathe air through their lungs from time to time, otherwise they will suffocate. As a result they can also survive in water which is very low in oxygen and, like their African cousins, survive periods of drought buried in mud. However, if the waters they live in dry out completely they are unable to survive. Parental care is carried out by the male of the species, which during this period grows tufted attachments which are well supplied with blood on its ventral fins. These absorb carbon dioxide and emit oxygen which improves the flow of oxygen to the nest.
Characteristics
| Classification | Order salamander fishes and relatives, family South American lungfishes, only species |
|---|---|
| Diet | Aquatic snails, crustaceans, small vertebrates and algae |
| Habitat | Swamplands and shallow water abundantly covered with vegetation |
| Reproduction | Spawns in mud tubes; brood care by males |
Status according to Red List
More information you will get on the web page of the IUCN Red List.
