South American lungfish (Lepidosiren paradoxa) fish species and information / pictures of South American lungfish - Lepidosiren paradoxa

South American lungfish (Lepidosiren paradoxa) fish species information

Scientific Name
Lepidosiren paradoxa

Common Name
South American lungfish

Biology
Prefers stagnant waters where there is little current. Juveniles feed on larval insects and snails. Adults are omnivorous and feed on aquatic vertebrates, invertebrates such as snails, clams and shrimp, and algae. Can survive low oxygen levels in its habitat by means of its very reduced branchial apparatus. It possesses two lungs without bronchial tubes. During the dry period, this species burrows into the mud, to a depth of about 30-50 cm, and seals off the entrance with clay, leaving out 2-3 holes for aeration. It reduces its metabolism during this period of hibernation. The fish are obligate air-breathers and will drown if denied access to the surface. During the rainy season, reproduction begins. The parents gather vegetal debris in a burrow to create a nest. During reproduction, the males guard the young. The males can increase the oxygen level in the burrow because during breading season the pelvic fins develop highly vascul

Classification

Classified By
Fitzinger, 1837
Class
Lobe-finned fishes (Sarcopterygii)
Order
South American and African Lungfishes (Lepidosireniformes)
Family
Aestivating lungfishes (Lepidosirenidae)

Distribution

Region
South America
Distribution
South America: Amazon, Paraguay and lower Paran? River basins.
Range
5°N - 35°S

Environment

Climate
Subtropical
Water Temperature From
24 °C
Water Temperature To
28 °C
Depth From - meters
Unknown m
Depth To - meters
Unknown m
Zone
demersal
Environment
Freshwater; demersal
Trophic Level
3.11 s.e. 0.46 Based on food items.
Occurs in Marine / Salt water
False
Occurs in Brackish water
False
Occurs in Fresh Water
True
Occurs on Reefs
False
Is kept in Aquariums
False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length
125 cm
Common Length
Unknown cm
Phylogenetic Diversity Index
PD50 = 1.5352 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses
Fisheries: subsistence fisheries
Vulnerability
High vulnerability (61 of 100)
Resilience
Very Low, minimum population doubling time more than 14 years (Assuming tmax > 30)
Threat To Humans
Harmless
IUCN Red List Status
Not Evaluated