LEPIDOSIRENIDAE—South American Lungfish

Order: Lepidosireniformes

Family: Lepidosirenidae

Scientific name: Lepidosiren paradoxa

Maximum size (wild) : 125cm

Age: 8 years

 

The South American lungfish can be distinguished from other lungfishes (except Propterus dolloi) by its extremely elongate body.  L. paradoxa can be differentiated from P. dolloi by its short pectoral and pelvic fins, P. dolloi has longer paired fins.

L. paradoxa is an obligate air-breather like Protopteridae, but does not create a mucus cocoon when undergoing estivation.  Male South American lungfish possess fleshy extensions along the posterior of the pelvic fins.  The exact function of these structures is not fully known, however, they are believed to aid in oxygenating the nest, which the male guards.

See photos below, additional images coming soon!