This is the most primitive form of lungfish of all, only one family, one genus, one species occurs in Australia. This lungfish's ancestor is considered Ceratodus which flourished from the Triassic to the Cretaceous period. This lungfish has wide based, paddle like pectoral and pelvic fins which are well developed. This resembles fleshy fined animals in ancient times. Its lungs are not well developed, therefore it breathes chiefly with its gills. It does not estivate in underground.

Native of Africa, this lungfish has long eel-shaped body with a primitive shaped tail which is a single undivided fin formed by the dorsal and anal fin. Its pectoral and pelvic fins are long and threadlike, they are more prominent in young fish. The body length is up to two metres. This lungfish is omnivorous, eating a variety of things such as water insects, fallen insects, molluscs including bivalves and snails, large crabs and prawn, and small fishes. It also eats plants. This lungfish looks to be slow and calm, but has a strong territorial sense with an aggressive nature. Adults or sub adults have strong jaws that can bite off a child's finger easily. The lungfish belongs to the fish species, but needs to breath out of water, otherwise it dies.

This lungfish originated in Africa, they habituate from West Africa to the South East part of Central Africa. The body shape is similar to Protopterus aethiopicus. However, the body length is up to 80 cm, which makes this one smaller than aethiopicus. It grows rapidly. Its external gills which are a distinctive characteristic of the young, sometimes remain as little marks. There is a wide variety of body colour in this fish. The one owned by Neo is yellowish, with some spots. Grey, brown and white varieties are commonly available. Pannectens is well know for its behaviour of burying itself underground during the dry season to make a cocoon for estivation. It remains in the cocoon until the rains return. It can stay for 7-8 month if neccesary. Under the experiment, one revived after four years of estivation.

Protopterus amphibius is having a nap. It usually sleeps during the day, like this, then become active at night. Therefore feeding time occurs at night, this one eats a lot. Ten pellets are easily consumed at one feed, they are designed for bottom dwelling carnivorous fish. The lung fish does not have a stomach. The sight at feeding time is not a pretty one... the masticated food comes out from the fishÕs mouth, it then slurps the food back in. Yuck !.

This comes from Africa, grows up to 80 cm which makes the longest body in Protopterus genera. This fish has a similar look to Lepidosiren which is a native of South America, but you can tell the difference between the two because this one has longer pectoral and pelvic fins than the other one. Its round shaped head reminds you of an electric eel. The Protopterus dolloi which Neo Kotobuki has, is shorter than 7 cm larva. At the moment, this lives in a tank designed for insects. There is no aeration. This fish seems fine on a coolish day ( 22C ). Dry pellet food has been given, so far. Dolloi is also nocturnal, feeding only at night. It has a quiet nature. There is almost no movement during the day.

There is one genus and one species of this lungfish which can grow up to 100 cm, it only lives in the Amazon in South America. They breathe almost entirely with their lungs, having degenerating gills which do not function well. Its soft skull looks very similar to the African native Protopterus. This fish has a similar look to Protopterus dolloi, which was mentioned above, however, this lungfish has significantly shorter pectoral and pelvic fins. Its funny look can be rather lovable. It has a quiet nature for a lungfish, but seems more active than Protopterus dolloi. This photo is 12 cm larva, these yellow spots will disappear when upon maturity.