I was interested in finding out how long-lived the different species of lungfish were so I hit the internet to see what kind of information I could find. Essentially, most of it was pretty vague (or non-existent) but I figured Id compile what I did find. Does anyone out there in MFK land have any other information to add? Who out there has the oldest lungfish?
----
Neoceratodus forsteri (Australian Lungfish):
You can have a living fossil in your aquarium fish tank. Australian Lungfish make ideal aquarium fish. They are very hardy, almost indestructible (they have existed for 350 million years) and can have a lifespan of 100 years. (http://www.ceratodus.com/lungfish.html)
Lepidosiren paradoxa (South American Lungfish):
Lepidosiren paradoxa has not been well studied in terms of life span, but the studies that have been conducted show that the average lifespan of this species is a little more that eight years, both in the wild and in captivity. (http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Lepidosiren_paradoxa.html)
Protopterus annectens annectens (West African Lungfish):
P. a. annectens is the most commonly seen lungfish in the hobby, being of a slightly more manageable size than the others. It is very hardy and easy to keep, but is still recommended only to enthusiasts. Not only does the fish require a very large tank, but it can inflict a nasty bite and should be handled with extreme care. It is also very long-lived, having a lifespan of over 20 years, so unless you are prepared to make a real commitment to one of these bizarre fish, do not waste your money!*
(http://www.seriouslyfish.com/profile.php?genus=Protopterus&species=annectens+annectens)
*also states the same thing for p. dolloi
Protopterus aethiopicus (Marbled African Lungfish):
Unknown
Protopterus amphibious (Gilled Lungfish):
Unknown
Protopterus dolloi (Slender Lungfish):
I found an estimated 8-12 years from a pretty vague article here http://www.theaquariumwiki.com/Protopterus_dolloi
----
Neoceratodus forsteri (Australian Lungfish):
You can have a living fossil in your aquarium fish tank. Australian Lungfish make ideal aquarium fish. They are very hardy, almost indestructible (they have existed for 350 million years) and can have a lifespan of 100 years. (http://www.ceratodus.com/lungfish.html)
Lepidosiren paradoxa (South American Lungfish):
Lepidosiren paradoxa has not been well studied in terms of life span, but the studies that have been conducted show that the average lifespan of this species is a little more that eight years, both in the wild and in captivity. (http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Lepidosiren_paradoxa.html)
Protopterus annectens annectens (West African Lungfish):
P. a. annectens is the most commonly seen lungfish in the hobby, being of a slightly more manageable size than the others. It is very hardy and easy to keep, but is still recommended only to enthusiasts. Not only does the fish require a very large tank, but it can inflict a nasty bite and should be handled with extreme care. It is also very long-lived, having a lifespan of over 20 years, so unless you are prepared to make a real commitment to one of these bizarre fish, do not waste your money!*
(http://www.seriouslyfish.com/profile.php?genus=Protopterus&species=annectens+annectens)
*also states the same thing for p. dolloi
Protopterus aethiopicus (Marbled African Lungfish):
Unknown
Protopterus amphibious (Gilled Lungfish):
Unknown
Protopterus dolloi (Slender Lungfish):
I found an estimated 8-12 years from a pretty vague article here http://www.theaquariumwiki.com/Protopterus_dolloi
