Australian Lungfish
(Neoceratodus forsteri)
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Animal Type
Fish
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Exhibits
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Range
Australia
Overview
Unlike most fish that only have gills, Australian lungfish also have a single lung. Their ancestors lived around 400 million years ago and breathed air. Today, Australian lungfish breathe with their lung during dry periods when water levels are low. Out of the six species of lungfish, they are the only species with a single lung instead of a pair.
Australian lungfish live in murky waters with poor visibility, so they don't rely on eyesight to hunt. Instead, these freshwater fish listen for prey or use a special organ that senses their prey's electric fields.
Target Training Fish
Aquarium staff use target training to care for some of the animals here—including fish! Staff use food and noisy targets during training sessions for the Australian lungfish.
Quick Facts
Learn more about Australian lungfish! Did you know that Australian lungfish can live up to 100 years?
Australian lungfish are only found in certain coastal rivers in Queensland, Australia.
As omnivores, they eat frogs, snails, plants, small fishes and more.
These freshwater fish can grow over 4 feet long and weigh over 40 pounds. Adults have thick, paddle-shaped fins and wide, flat heads.
Australian lungfish are listed as endangered due to their small and fragmented range. Human activities like damming continue to affect their population.
Crustaceans, insects and other creatures prey on juvenile Australian lungfish and eggs. However, humans pose the greatest threat to these fish, primarily by disrupting or destroying parts of their habitat.
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Explore Exhibit Residents
Learn more about the animals that share an exhibit with this one.
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Lures its prey using the tip of its tail as bait.
Irwin's Turtle (Elseya irwini)
This species was first discovered in the early 1990s by Steve Irwin, the late Crocodile Hunter, and his father, Bob Irwin.
Broad-Shelled Turtle (Chelodina expansa)
The broad-shelled turtle can tuck its neck and head under the leading edge of its carapace, or upper shell.
Laughing Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae)
The call of the kookaburra is commonly used in movies to imitate the sound of monkeys in a jungle.
Pig-Nosed Turtle (Carettochelys insculpta)
The only freshwater turtle that has flippers like a sea turtle.