Lungfish are freshwater vertebrates with the ability to breathe air. They have lobed fins and a well-developed internal skeleton. The African Lungfish can live for many months in mud burrows without water. In certain parts of the world where they are abundant, the locals eat them as a ready and rich source of protein.

The lungfish hibernates at the bottom of the ocean. And can breathe through its gills only for up to five years. On land or in mud, it can survive for 3-4 years, breathing air through the lungs. Six documented species of lungfish can live for 20-25 years.

The fish adapts by burrowing in the mud to create a safe habitat where they survive for long periods of dormancy.

Fun Facts about the Lungfish:

• There are six species of lungfish worldwide.
• The lungfish is almost blind, with a poor perception of form and movement.
• Although it has poor vision, lungfish have heightened senses of taste and smell
• All six species of lungfish prefer to live alone; they are solitary beings
• Did you know the Australian lungfish called "Granddad" lived for 80 years? It was the oldest fish in captivity.
• Although the lungfish grow to a substantial size, they have slight economic importance since they are solitary fish. Only a few communities in South America and certain parts of Africa obtain the fish from dry river bottoms and eat it locally.