Species learning profile
West African lungfish
Protopterus annectens
West African lungfish (Protopterus annectens) is a freshwater fish associated with wetland habitat in Africa. During drought it seals itself in a mucus-lined mud cocoon and breathes air.
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At a glance
- المياه
- مياه عذبة
- Habitat
- wetland
- أقصى طول
- 100 cm
- النطاق
- Africa
- الفصيلة
- Protopteridae
- الرتبة
- Lepidosireniformes
Observe
How to identify West African lungfish
- During drought it seals itself in a mucus-lined mud cocoon and breathes air.
- Guide context: wetland habitat in Africa.
- Reported maximum length: 100 cm — up to about the length of a guitar. Maximum is not the same as typical adult size.
Field note: color, size, and markings can change with age, sex, season, depth, and lighting. Use several traits together.
Place and pattern
Where it lives—and how it behaves
Habitat and range
This species is associated with wetland habitat across Africa. Shallow vegetation, seasonal water, and sometimes low oxygen make wetlands productive but demanding homes.
Behavior
Aestivates through dry seasons
Food-web connections
What it eats and why it matters
Diet
Molluscs, crustaceans, insects, and fish.
Ecological role
A resilient predator linking wet and dry phases.
Remember
One fact worth keeping
قد يصل طول West African lungfish إلى نحو 100 سم، ويوجد غالبًا قرب wetland.
Think like a conservationist
A conservation lens
Wetland drainage, water withdrawal, invasive species, and pollution can remove habitat faster than fish can relocate.
This habitat lens is not a current population-status assessment. Status can differ among regions and change as new assessments are published; follow the reference links and local fisheries or wildlife agencies for current decisions.
Recall
Quick knowledge check
Which habitat is most closely associated with West African lungfish in this guide?
Keep exploring
References and further reading
Fishdle summarizes stable identification and ecology concepts in plain language. Taxonomy and population knowledge continue to change, so use primary assessments and regional authorities for conservation or management decisions.
Make connections